Does the exhaust air from oxygenator during open-heart surgeries in COVID-19 positive patients cause operating room air contamination? A case report

Abstract

Introduction: New findings regarding Covid 19 are reviewed and reported daily, and safety protocols are changed regularly. In Covid positive patients, the exhaust air coming from oxygenator’s gas outlet may be a potential source of air contamination in operating room. This may also cause health issues for Operating room staff. As there has been no research regarding this issue, this study will reveal whether the exhaust air from the oxygenator in Covid positive patient may cause air contamination or not. Case presentation: The Covid positive patient underwent emergency cardiopulmonary bypass. After surgery, PCR swab was taken from the oxygenator exhaust, which evacuate the air inside the oxygenator into the operating room theatre. The positive PCR test for Covid may suggests the possibility of air contamination by oxygenator. Result: This may be the first study suggesting the possibility of room air contamination by oxygenator exhaust air during cardiopulmonary bypass. This study shows some current protocols may need to be reviewed in order to ensure increased safety within the operating room and amongst the personnel, therefore permanent changes may be applied to some procedures.