Surgical operating theatres are supposed to be some of the most hygienic and sterile places in the world, and that goes double for those used for open-heart surgery. However, a recent study has found that many heater-cooler units used to maintain the temperature of a patient’s blood and organs during heart bypass provide a home for potentially lethal bacteria.
The research, presented to the 2017 APIC conference by John Rihs of Special Pathogens Laboratory, examined 653 water samples from 89 heater-cooler units located in hospitals around the US and Canada.
Of these, 33 units tested positive for the bacterium Mycobacterium chimaera, 4 were colonised with Legionella and 97 cultures were deemed uninterpretable due to extremely high levels of bacterial and fungal contamination.
Even though heater-cooler units use water tanks that provide temperature-controlled water through closed circuits, contamination presents an issue, as the water in them can still aerosolise and has the potential to transmit bacteria through the air to patients.
This transmission of bacteria can cause infections with non-specific symptoms that are slow to develop and difficult to diagnose. Such infections can go untreated for years, which makes them even more difficult to treat.
Rihs’ research highlights the need for hospitals to remain vigilant in monitoring the decontamination and maintenance schedules of heater-cooler units.
Originally published by Cosmos as Bacteria found to be common in open-heart surgical equipment
Angus Bezzina
Angus Bezzina is a writer from Sydney, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.