Contamination risk of the surgical team through ROBODOC (R)'s high-speed cutter

During cutting of the femoral cavity in the ROBODOC procedure, an aerosol c loud of irrigation fluid, blood, and tissue debris was seen. This cloud pot entially is contaminated with bacterial and viral vectors, which is an infe ction risk for the surgical team. A flat and a ball cutter were tested in f our standard situations macroscopically with a colored solution. In a secon d experiment, the cutter was exposed to a fluid contaminated with Staphyloc occus aureus, and bacterial room contamination was detected using standard cultures. The aerosol cloud was seen in a 6- x 3.6-m area, Extension and co ncentration varied, depending on the irrigation situation. ROBODOC's high-s peed cutter produces an aerosol cloud in an area in which all members of th e surgical team are affected, Sufficient protection is necessary for everyo ne in the operating room.