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https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18704
Title: | A novel method of personnel cooling in an operating theatre environment |
Authors: | Casha, Aaron Camilleri, Liberato Gauci, Marilyn Grima, Joseph N. Borg, Michael Angelo Manche, Alexander |
Keywords: | Operating room personnel Operating rooms -- Environmental engineering Cooling systems Fans (Machinery) |
Issue Date: | 2014-10 |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
Citation: | Casha, A., Camilleri, L., Gauci, M., Grima, J. N., Borg, M. A., & Manche, A. (2014). A novel method of personnel cooling in an operating theatre environment. Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery, 19(4), 687-689. |
Abstract: | An optimized theatre environment, including personal temperature regulation, can help maintain concentration, extend work times and may improve surgical outcomes. However, devices, such as cooling vests, are bulky and may impair the surgeon's mobility. We describe the use of a low-cost, low-energy 'bladeless fan' as a personal cooling device. The safety profile of this device was investigated by testing air quality using 0.5- and 5-µm particle counts as well as airborne bacterial counts on an operating table simulating a wound in a thoracic operation in a busy theatre environment. Particle and bacterial counts were obtained with both an empty and full theatre, with and without the 'bladeless fan'. The use of the 'bladeless fan' within the operating theatre during the simulated operation led to a minor, not statistically significant, lowering of both the particle and bacterial counts. In conclusion, the 'bladeless fan' is a safe, effective, low-cost and low-energy consumption solution for personnel cooling in a theatre environment that maintains the clean room conditions of the operating theatre. |
Description: | Funding obtained from University of Malta. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/18704 |
Appears in Collections: | Scholarly Works - FacM&SAna Scholarly Works - FacM&SPat Scholarly Works - FacSciChe Scholarly Works - FacSciMet Scholarly Works - FacSciSOR |
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File | Description | Size | Format | |
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OA - A novel method of personnel cooling in an operating theatre environmentÔÇá.1.pdf | A novel method of personnel cooling in an operating theatre environment | 315.76 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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