Original Post: August 9, 2022
It’s been my pleasure to work with Avidicare, Infection Prevention Partners and collaborators developing solutions to reduce infections in healthcare environments. Innovation can be difficult, and in this case the solution is proven in Europe. USA is now catching up to current ultraclean technology to reduce infection and improve healthcare outcomes.
Towards zero infections
Avidicare’s mission is to reduce – and possibly eliminate infections in the operating theatre. Specifically, Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are the predominant cause of infection in operating rooms. Avidicare has a proven track record – going back to 2009 – of significantly reducing the number of infections. Borne from clean room technology, the Opragon system from Avidicare warrants consideration.https://us.avidicare.com/
A superior ventilation system for ultra-clean air in hospital areas
Opragon is an innovative ultra-clean ventilation system that has been developed to reduce airborne contaminants and the risk of infection during surgery. Opragon ensures ultra-clean air in the whole operating room. The system is based on a revolutionary combination of the classic mixed ventilation (which dilutes the number of bacteria-carrying particles) in the periphery of the room and a uni-directional flow in the middle of the room. The principle is called Temperature controlled AirFlow technology (TcAF). With TcAF, Opragon generates a superior level of purity throughout the whole operating room. Supplying slightly cooled air in a zone around the operating table, while evenly spaced external airshowers regulate the temperature of the room, Opragon creates a uniquely large ultra-clean environment.
- Reducing risk of SSI by minimizing the airborne microbial contamination – The Opragon has been found to reduce SSI. Each SSI is a catastrophe for both the patient and provider, often leading to long and resource-demanding treatment.
- Reducing carbon footprint by 50% by optimizing airflow in surgeries that are less prone to infection – Keeping operational costs at a minimum, while maintaining exceptional air quality.
- Supporting antimicrobial stewardship – Optimize the use of antibiotic prophylaxis by reducing an important SSI risk factor helps build resilience against antibiotic microbial resistance.
- Designing ORs with the ability to switch between higher and lower energy consumption depending upon SSI risk – Only Temperature-controlled AirFlow (TcAF) can offer both modes.
- Design Support – quick design, cos, performance criteria and details from your operating room BIM model
The most innovative and sustainable system for ultra-clean air
If you want to learn more about the Avidicare system and how it can help your hospital, contact me. I am part of the US team supporting Avidicare. As part of that team, SwiftEnvirons offers continuing education presentations, including AIA HSW courses. Hundreds of architects, engineers, hospital facility staff and healthcare owners have benefitted from this discussion. Contact me @ jtswift@swiftenvirons.com
