Laminar Airflow Ventilation Systems in Orthopaedic Operating Rooms

Enhancing Sterility with Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow & SteriStay Instrument Table

Traditional ceiling-mounted laminar airflow (LAF) systems often fail to provide sufficient sterile coverage in orthopaedic surgery. These systems typically focus only on the surgical field, leaving instruments unprotected during preparation. The limited airflow coverage increases the risk of microbial contamination, particularly during long procedures where instruments and implants remain exposed for extended periods.

By integrating Operio and SteriStay, hospitals can expand the sterile zone beyond the conventional air supply ceiling, ensuring maximum infection control and reducing the risk of perioperative infections in joint replacement and trauma surgeries.

Orthopaedic surgeries, particularly joint replacements such as hip and knee prostheses, require ultra-clean environments to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). Traditional operating rooms often fall short in maintaining sterile conditions, leading to increased risks of contamination. The Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow System and SteriStay Instrument Table offer an advanced solution, transforming standard operating rooms into ISO 5 clean zones without costly renovations.

Challenges in Orthopaedic Surgery: The Need for Ultra-Clean Air

Orthopaedic procedures involve implants, which are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. Studies suggest that up to 90% of early perioperative infections in joint prostheses result from microbial exposure during surgery. Conventional ventilation systems, particularly ceiling-mounted laminar airflow (LAF) units, may not provide sufficient protection due to obstructions caused by surgical staff, lights, and equipment.

Traditional airflow systems can also direct airborne particles toward the surgical field instead of effectively removing them, increasing the risk of contamination. This limitation necessitates a more focused approach to airflow management.

Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow: Direct Sterile Protection

The Operio Mobile Laminar Air Flow system addresses these challenges by delivering ISO 5 ultra-clean air directly to the surgical site and instrument table. Unlike conventional ceiling-mounted ventilation, Operio’s focused sterile airflow remains unobstructed by surgical staff or equipment, ensuring continuous asepsis where it is most needed.

Key Benefits of Operio:

Ultra-Clean ISO 5 Air Quality

Provides a direct sterile airflow over implants and instruments, significantly reducing infection risks.

Avoids airflow obstructions caused by surgical lights and staff movement.

Reduces the risk of perioperative infections, which are responsible for most early joint prosthesis failures.

A plug-and-play solution requiring no costly operating room modifications.

Portable and adaptable to various surgical environments, including hospitals and ambulatory centers.

Optimized for Ambulatory Surgeries

Ideal for minor orthopaedic procedures such as hand and foot surgery, allowing these cases to be performed in ambulatory settings rather than full operating rooms.

Increases overall operating room availability for more complex procedures.

SteriStay Instrument Table: Ensuring Continuous Sterility

A major concern in orthopaedic surgery is the contamination of surgical instruments and implants. The SteriStay Instrument Table, equipped with an integrated HEPA H14 filtration system, creates a sterile zone for instruments throughout the procedure, drastically reducing contamination risks.

Key Features of SteriStay:

Integrated HEPA Filtration

The H14 filter eliminates 99.995% of bacteria, viruses, and airborne contaminants, ensuring a consistently sterile environment for surgical tools and implants.

Reduces microbial contamination by up to 90% compared to conventional instrument tables.

Electric Height Adjustment & Ergonomic Design

Enables easy positioning for optimal surgical workflow.

Allows direct sterile operation by surgical staff via a sterile-covered display.

Continuous Protection for Long Procedures

Particularly beneficial for trauma surgery, hip and knee replacements, and revision surgeries, where instruments remain exposed for extended periods.

Reduces the microbial load in the operating room, enhancing overall infection control.

How Operio & SteriStay Outperform Traditional Ventilation Systems

Traditional ceiling-mounted ventilation systems are often ineffective due to:

Limited sterile zones – Air supply covers only specific areas, leaving other zones unprotected.

Loss of aseptic effect – Once air reaches the floor, it loses its sterility, leading to potential contamination.

Obstruction issues – Surgical lights, microscopes, and staff movement disrupt airflow, compromising sterility.

In contrast, Operio and SteriStay provide targeted and uninterrupted sterile airflow, ensuring that both the surgical site and instruments remain protected throughout the procedure.

A Cost-Effective and Scalable Solution for Hospitals

Hospitals and surgical centers can upgrade existing ISO 7 operating rooms to ISO 5 conditions instantly using Operio and SteriStay. These mobile and compact units eliminate the need for expensive construction while offering superior infection control, making them an ideal solution for modern orthopaedic surgery.

By integrating focused laminar airflow and sterile instrument management, these systems provide maximum sterility, optimized surgical efficiency, and enhanced patient safety.