Scientific evidence
Our innovations are backed by scientific evidence
TcAF and Opragon have undergone scientific studies in a number of different contexts. Statements regarding the medical need for ultra-clean air in Operating Rooms, the correlation between lower bacteria levels and lower SSI rates as well as statements related to the performance of Opragon are all supported by several pieces of scientific evidence.
Each statement we make is linked to specific pieces of literature. For example, âSurgical site infections are correlated with airborne bacteria levelsâ â is linked to supporting evidence from several papers. Use the buttons below to see all evidence for our most important statements.
An extensive list of all scientific literature â in total 45 pieces – that supports Opragon is available on request using the download button below.
Note: TcAF is in some articles termed âTAFâ. Since 2018, Avidicare uses TcAF in order to avoid confusion with Turbulent Mixing Airflow, which in some countries are abbreviated as TAF.
Selected studies
Stress testing Temperature-controlled AirFlow
Unlike conventional LAF systems, TcAF is able to maintain <10CFU/m3 throughout the entire room.
This is particularly important given that previously sterilized items such as instruments and implants are often staged in the periphery of the room.
Efficacy of Temperature-controlled AirFlow in the OR to reduce surgical site infections
The temperature controlled airflow reliably and robustly ensures ultra clean air <10 cfu /mÂł in the operating theater and therefore is capable to reduce the risk of airborne microbial transmission under routine clinical conditions
Temperature-controlled airflow ventilation in operating rooms compared with laminar airflow and turbulent mixed airflow
TcAF used substantially less energy and provided a more comfortable working environment than LAF. This enables energy savings with preserved air quality.
Statements are evidence-based
âSurgical site infections are correlated with airborne bacteria levelsâ
Read the evidenceâParticles carrying bacteria are continuously spread to the air from people in the operating room or from adjacent rooms in the case of door openingâ
Read the evidenceâThe majority of the bacteria contaminating the surgical wound are likely to have reached it by the airborne routeâ
Read the evidenceâIndirect contamination of the surgical wound via medical devices occurs as well as direct airborne contaminationâ
Read the evidenceâMicrobiological air sampling is a better method for investigating operating room air qualityâ
Read the evidenceâThe size of airborne particles carrying micro-organisms are in the order of a few micrometersâ
Read the evidenceâThe main measures to prevent SSI are antibiotics, the use of suitable ventilation, surgical clothing, staff numbers and behaviourâ
Read the evidenceâPost operative infections not only cause suffering â they are also costlyâ
Read the evidenceâAntimicrobial and antibiotic resistance is an increasing threatâ
Read the evidenceâDownward airflow is effective regarding reduction of airborne bacterial counts and velocities of at least 0.3 m/s are needed to break body convectionâ
Read the evidenceâTcAF ventilation keeps the whole operating room ultra-cleanâ
Read the evidenceâTcAF ventilation is energy efficient and provides a comfortable working environmentâ
Read the evidenceâTcAF ventilation benefits validated using CFDâ
Read the evidenceâTcAF installation reduces risk for SSI â 3% to 1% in large studyâ
Read the evidenceWe can tell you more
The Avidicare team is open to presentation and in-depth discussion on how the Opragon system can make a difference for both patients and hospital staff.
