Directed air flow to reduce airborne particulate and bacterial contamination in the surgical field during total hip arthroplasty.

This study evaluated the use of a system that delivers a small field of local, directed air from a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce airborne particulate and airborne bacteria in the surgical field during total hip arthroplasty. Thirty-six patients were randomized into 3 groups: with directed air flow, with the directed air flow system present but turned off, and control. Airborne particulate and bacteria were collected from within 5 cm of the surgical wound.

Predicting bacterial populations based on airborne particulates: a study performed in nonlaminar flow operating rooms during joint arthroplasty surgery.

Background: Prevention of postsurgical infection is preferable to treatment. Prevention requires identification and control of the potential sources of microbial contamination. This study investigated whether the density of airborne particulates can predict the density of viable airborne bacteria at the surgery site.