the yearly cost savings associated with pre-
venting surgical site infections in selective
operating rooms or for selective surgical serv-
ices associated with the use of the proposed
air filtration/purification technology," says Dr.
Edmiston.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in an air
purification system comes down to the
patient. "Look at the safety of your patients as
the ultimate standard," says Dr. O'Neill.
"Anything that lowers the risk of infection is
worth the investment."
Limiting transmission risks
Another infection prevention protocol that
may get a boost due to COVID-19 is nasal
decolonization, which is generally performed
to prevent surgical site infections in
Staphylococcus aureus carriers undergoing
joint replacements. TCO has been regularly
swabbing the nares of total joints patients
with a povidone-iodine solution as part of its
infection prevention bundle.
"The risk of infection is decreased by elimi-
nating staph that exists in some patients as
carriers," says Dr. O'Neill. "It also allows us to
treat patients with Methicillin-resistant strains
of staph. Infections caused by these
pathogens are particularly difficult to treat."
There's a very compelling argument to be
5 8 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 2 0
9 Orchard, Suite 111
Lake Forest, CA 92630
www.optisurgical.com
info@optisurgical.com
Call AOI for Information
800.576.1266 or
949.580.1266
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