Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021; 69(08): 703-709
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721745
Original Cardiovascular

Heater–Cooler Devices and Risk of Contamination during Cardiac Surgery

Mirko Kaluza
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
2   Life Systems Medizintechnik Service GmbH, Mönchengladbach, Germany
,
Gloria Färber
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Benjamin May
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Ute Dobermann
3   Center for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Mathias W. Pletz
3   Center for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Birgit Edel
4   Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Bettina Löffler
4   Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Torsten Doenst
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Zoom Image

Abstract

Background Heater–cooler devices (HCD) have been implicated in a cardiosurgical contamination scenario causing prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Aim We characterized contamination of new HCDs and assessed the risk of intraoperative microorganism transmission from the HCD to the operating field.

Methods We initially acquired four new FlexTherm and then four new Maquet HCU40 HCDs and assessed occurrence and speed of microbial contamination (including mycobacteria) assessing swab and water samples from the device. In parallel, we collected repeated samples from different sites in the operating room either by swab sticks or by exposing different sample plates to room air. We also reviewed microbiological results from the hospital and compared them to cardiosurgical wound infections and endocarditis cases. Finally, we simulated cardiosurgical conditions and assessed the devices' ability to expel air to the operative field.

Results All new HCDs were clean before first use. Despite authority-mandated decontamination procedures, microbial growth (Fusarium solani, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium chelonae, and gordonae) was identified in all HCDs over time and could not be permanently eliminated. Four of these mircoorganisms were also found in tap water. However, none of the HCD-organisms were found inside the laminar airflow operating area. Importantly, except for P. aeruginosa, none of the HCD organisms were found in patients with surgical wound infections or endocarditis. HCD-expelled air did not rise more than 40 cm above ground.

Conclusion HCDs cannot be expected to remain sterile despite extensive decontamination procedures. However, airborne transmission of microorganisms directly from the HCD to the operating field appears unlikely.



Publication History

Received: 09 June 2020

Accepted: 09 November 2020

Article published online:
21 April 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany