Publications by authors named "Mirtes Loeschner Leichsenring"
Purpose: Since the Brazilian current legislation permits the reuse of single-use devices under a validated processing protocol, the main purpose of our study was to develop and validate a method for reusing non-irrigated electrophysiology catheter (EC).
Methods: Manual and mechanical processing by ultrasonic washer was associated with the use of enzymatic solution and hydrogen peroxide with a final rinse with filtered water. Validation of the cleaning process, as well as catheter integrity, was done by observing the ECs in stereoscopic microscope at ×60 magnification, followed by HemoCheck-S® (HCS) test to monitor the presence of residual blood on their surfaces.
Article Synopsis
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) can cause serious infections in high-risk patients and contaminate hospital environments, prompting an investigation into an outbreak at a university hospital.
- A study reviewing 150 VRE-positive patients revealed a high colonization rate (92.7%), with infection risks associated with certain medical devices and previous antibiotic use, leading to a higher mortality rate in infected patients.
- Following targeted interventions, including education and improved cleaning protocols, the rate of VRE spread significantly decreased from 1.49 to 0.33, demonstrating the effectiveness of these measures in controlling the outbreak.