Impact of different air distribution strategies and thermal issues on infection control in operating rooms
Índice
- Summary
- Introduction:
- Infection Control Overview
- Summary of the paper “Comparison of Operating Room Ventilation Systems in the Protection of the Surgical Site [1]”
- Research:
- UMass Memorial Case Study
- Hospital for Special Surgery Case Study
- Summary

The intent of this paper is to extend concepts presented in the theoretical study "Comparison of Operating Room Ventilation Systems in the Protection of Surgical Sites" to two real-life systems designed and constructed within the past year; the new operating rooms at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Lakeside Addition in Worcester Massachusetts, and the new operating rooms at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

The paper discusses the impact of different air distribution strategies on infection control in operating rooms and how effective the air distribution strategy is in minimizing the possibility of airborne particles causing infection to the patient.

The design concepts to be reviewed were:
• Type of supply air diffusers
• Exhaust/ Return air locations
• Lighting and medical equipment location effects
Constant air exchange rates and supply air temperatures were assumed in the case studies.

The assessment of indoor air quality depends on the type of space being assessed. In a healthcare environment, indoor air quality is primarily assessed by minimizing the effects of the rate at which the ventilation distribution system either protects the patient from infection, or conversely, contributes to infection risks. Moreover thermal issues should also play a role in assessing the quality and effectiveness of the air distribution system.