Do you use "space suits" for Totals and why?

[shodobe]

I have noticed over a period of time threads concerning total joints and wondered how many out there actually use the "space suits" in these procedures. The two facilities where i work doesn't use them and wondered about the use of them in your hospital. Thanks, Mike

[cwazycwissyRN, RN]

Most of our ortho docs still use them. A few do not. Most of them still use laminar flow. 20 years and not one infection on a total joint.........I always did believe in miracles. :)

[spineCNOR]

In the 2 OR's in town I have worked in some surgeons wear them, some don't. Some that do expect the scrub nurse to wear a spacesuit as well, some don't. Just guessing I would think most don't require the scrub to wear one.

If there is a difference in the infection rate between the 2 groups I am not aware of it. Neither place has laminar flow rooms.

[mcmike55]

We have two ortho guys. One uses space helmets, one does not.

Not actually asked 'em why or why not.

I like them for splash protection, probably protects the field a little better I guess.

I haven't seen numbers or rates lately, but I'm not sure it helmets or not, laminar or not, really doesn't matter if your technique is good.

We had a little increase in post op infections for a while. We just watched traffic in and out of the room, etc, and the numbers got better.

We did it watching the basics, and timed our preop antibiotics better, that kind of stuff.

The media people like it when we wear the helmets though. :chuckle

Mike

[Gina ORT]

We have a few docs that have everyone at the sterile field wear the helmets. To tell you the truth, I don't mind wearing it. Sure it is harder to hear, but it has a lot more protection than a shield or safety glasses. I was splashed in the eye recently even with the glasses on, that pulsevac shoots water in all directions.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

The suits are cooler for me, i just don't like the constant knocking of heads that it causes.