Laminar Air Flow System for Spinal Surgery And Neurosurgery : Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow and SteriStay for Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery demands the highest levels of sterility due to the vulnerability of the central nervous system and the elevated risks associated with surgical site infections (SSIs). Even the slightest contamination during these delicate procedures can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, abscess formation, and delayed postoperative recovery. Traditional operating room (OR) ventilation systems often fail to maintain the ultra-clean conditions required, especially when surgical microscopes and surgical lamps obstruct the unidirectional airflow, compromising ISO 5 cleanliness standards.

The Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow System

Key Features and Benefits

  • Uninterrupted ISO 5 Ultra-Clean Air: The Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow system delivers ISO 5 ultra-clean air directly to the surgical field, overcoming major obstacles such as surgical microscopes and lamps that typically block airflow in conventional systems.
  • Instant OR Upgrade: This mobile unit transforms an ISO 7 OR into an ISO 5 cleanroom without requiring costly renovations, making it a plug-and-play solution. read more
  • Enhanced Infection Control: Continuous sterile airflow significantly reduces the risk of perioperative infections, responsible for up to 90% of SSIs.
  • Portable and Adaptable: The compact design allows easy integration into existing surgical environments, particularly suitable for ambulatory surgeries.
  • Traceability System: The unit features a built-in system that records usage data, ensuring compliance with legal and medical standards

The SteriStay Instrument Table read more

Setting New Standards in Surgical Sterility

  • Continuous ISO 5 Protection: The SteriStay table maintains an ultra-clean environment for neurosurgical instruments, implants, and delicate tools throughout procedures.
  • Integrated HEPA Filtration: Featuring a three-stage filtration system with an H14 HEPA filter, SteriStay eliminates 99.995% of bacteria and airborne contaminants.
  • Ergonomic Design: The table is electrically height-adjustable and can extend up to 173 cm, catering to various surgical needs.
  • Overcoming Airflow Obstructions: SteriStay ensures that surgical instruments remain sterile despite long operations
  • Seamless Workflow Integration: The table’s mobility allows it to be moved close to the surgical area without compromising sterility.

Comparative Advantages Over Conventional Ventilation Systems

Limitations of Conventional Systems

  • Obstructed Airflow: Traditional ceiling-mounted systems are frequently hindered by surgical lamps, microscopes, and staff movements, disrupting the unidirectional airflow crucial for ISO 5 standards.
  • Limited Sterile Zones: Sterility is maintained only under direct air outlets, leaving other critical areas exposed.
  • Increased Microbial Load: Studies have shown that microbial contamination can be up to 150 times higher in areas outside conventional airflow coverage.

Superior Performance of Operio and SteriStay

  • Focused Airflow: Operio’s horizontal laminar airflow provides a direct, uninterrupted stream of ultra-clean air that bypasses obstructions such as surgical lights and microscopes, ensuring continuous ISO 5 conditions.
  • High Air Exchange Rates: The system achieves more than 300 air exchanges per hour in the operating field, compared to 15-25 in conventional systems.
  • No Cold Air Discomfort: The ambient-temperature airflow ensures a comfortable environment for both patients and staff.
  • Protection of Critical Areas: Unlike conventional systems, Operio and SteriStay deliver sterile air precisely where needed, regardless of typical OR obstructions.

Applications in Neurosurgery

  • Craniotomies: Continuous sterile protection during complex brain surgeries, overcoming airflow disruptions from surgical microscopes.
  • Spinal Surgeries: Essential for maintaining aseptic conditions during procedures involving implants, with guaranteed airflow even around surgical lamps.
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Critical for neurosurgical interventions requiring uninterrupted sterility in the presence of intricate surgical equipment.

Conclusion

The combination of Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow and SteriStay Instrument Table revolutionizes infection control in neurosurgery. By providing targeted ISO 5 ultra-clean air directly to critical areas and effectively bypassing obstructions like surgical lamps and microscopes, these systems ensure superior sterility, minimize infection risks, and improve surgical outcomes. Their portability, ease of integration, and cost-effectiveness make them indispensable tools for modern neurosurgical practices.

For more information, visit Normeditec.