Session: 08-05-06: Energy-Related Multidisciplinary VI

Paper Number: 145848

145848 - Investigating the Design and Locations of Inlet and Exhaust Diffusers on Airflow Patterns and Airborne Contaminants in Surgical Settings 

Maintaining air quality in the operating rooms (ORs) is crucial for the well-being of patients and medical staff. However, during a typical surgical procedure, various gases are emitted. Some examples are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulting from evaporation of disinfectants, anesthetic gases, smoke from high-frequency electric knives generated by heating and burning tissue. This surgical smoke, loaded with harmful particles, is often referred to as a "silent killer" within ORs, presenting a substantial risk of contamination. Research indicates that electrosurgical particles are easily carried by airflow, spreading pathogens to healthcare workers. Ensuring optimal air quality within operating rooms is essential for protecting the health and well-being of both medical staff and patients by mitigating the presence of smoke particles. Ventilation systems play a pivotal role in not only maintaining a comfortable thermal environment but also in regulating airborne particle concentrations within prescribed limits that are critical for the sterilized conditions necessary in ORs. Thus, this study aims to comprehensively assess numerically the airflow dynamics and distribution of contaminants in a typical sized operating room, containing a patient lying on the operating table and the medical personnel. We propose a new air diffuser design and a novel framework for optimizing the geometry and locations of inlet air diffusers and exhaust outlets within the OR setting. By examining several factors, we aim to provide valuable insights that can inform the design and optimization of ventilation systems to ensure effective control of airborne contaminants and sustain high standards of air indoor quality and safety during surgical procedures.

Presenting Author: Mihai Burzo University of Michigan

Presenting Author Biography: I am an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Frances Willson Thompson Fellow at the University of Michigan-Flint. Prior to joining University of Michigan in 2013, I was an Assistant Professor at University of North Texas. My research interests include heat transfer in microelectronics and nanostructures, thermal properties of thin films of new and existing materials, multimodal sensing of human behavior, computational modeling of forced and natural heat convection. I am the recipient of several awards including the 2006 Harvey Rosten Award for Excellence for “outstanding work in the field of thermal analysis of electronic equipment”, the best paper awards at PETRA conference (2016), Semitherm conference (2013 and 2006), the Young Engineer of the Year from the North Texas Section of ASME (2006), a Leadership Award from SMU (2002), and a Valedictorian Award (1995).

Authors:

Mihai Burzo University of Michigan
Hussein Kokash Wayne State University
Khalil Khanafer University of Michigan