A sterile C-arm drape or C-armor could effective reduce the risk of surgical site infections while also improving intraoperative workflow and healthcare cost-savings, according to a study published in Patient Safety in Surgery.
Intraoperative fluoroscopy for orthopedic procedures frequently involves imaging, which requires the lower portion of the C-arm to be moved from beneath the table, considered an unsterile zone, into the operating, sterile field.
The idea of a C-armor sterile pouch came from sterile pouches in hip and arthroscopy drapes used during arthroplasty and arthroscopic surgery. The C-armor adheres to AORN standards, calling for the non-sterile portion of the C-arm to be covered on all five sides. The C-armor's translucent drape allows great control over the beam emitter for fluoroscopy images, potentially reducing hazardous radiation exposure, and protects the sterile field from dropped instruments or other biohazard fluids. The sterile pouch also may be used to hold surgical instruments during an operation.
Read the study about sterile C-arm drapes in orthopedic procedures.
Read other coverage about infection prevention:
- Hines VA CDI Severity Score Index Shows Strongest Correlation for Predicting Severe C. Diff Cases
- National Patient Safety Awareness Week Asks: "Are You In?"
Intraoperative fluoroscopy for orthopedic procedures frequently involves imaging, which requires the lower portion of the C-arm to be moved from beneath the table, considered an unsterile zone, into the operating, sterile field.
The idea of a C-armor sterile pouch came from sterile pouches in hip and arthroscopy drapes used during arthroplasty and arthroscopic surgery. The C-armor adheres to AORN standards, calling for the non-sterile portion of the C-arm to be covered on all five sides. The C-armor's translucent drape allows great control over the beam emitter for fluoroscopy images, potentially reducing hazardous radiation exposure, and protects the sterile field from dropped instruments or other biohazard fluids. The sterile pouch also may be used to hold surgical instruments during an operation.
Read the study about sterile C-arm drapes in orthopedic procedures.
Read other coverage about infection prevention:
- Hines VA CDI Severity Score Index Shows Strongest Correlation for Predicting Severe C. Diff Cases
- National Patient Safety Awareness Week Asks: "Are You In?"
