combines shielded UV
irradiation with HEPA
filtration. A small
Australian study
involving a handful of
hip surgeries indicated
the system reduced
bacteria in the OR by
half. An in vitro study
at the Cleveland Clinic
showed the system
cut airborne particles
by almost 80%.
Although it's con-
troversial, at least 2
studies indicate that
airborne particles
landing on instru-
ments, implants, the
surgeon's hands or
the wound are
responsible for the
majority of all SSIs. If
they're correct, alter-
native air handling
and air purification
systems may make a
big difference.
OSM
J u l y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 8 7
