The Role of Laminar Airflow Ceilings in Modular Operating Theater

Definition and working principle of laminar airflow ceiling

Definition

Laminar airflow ceilings play a vital role in Modular Operating Theater. Their core role is to provide a clean, stable air environment for the surgical area through high efficiency filtration and directional airflow control, thus significantly reducing the risk of infection and ensuring surgical safety.

Working Principle

Laminar airflow ceilings work on the principle of Unidirectional Flow:

• Air intake: External air is pre-filtered by primary and secondary filters.

• High-efficiency filtration: Air passes through HEPA/ULPA filters to remove microorganisms and particles.

• Laminar flow air supply: Clean air is sent into the working area vertically or horizontally with low turbulence and uniform speed (0.25~0.45m/s).

• Pollution discharge: Polluted air is collected and discharged from the bottom or side return air outlets, forming the “airflow piston effect” to prevent cross-contamination.

The role of laminar airflow ceilings in Modular Operating Theater

1. Provide clean laminar airflow

Laminar air supply ceiling sends clean air through HEPA or ULPA high efficiency filters to form a vertical downward or horizontal unidirectional flow (laminar flow), which can effectively take dust particles, microorganisms, etc. away from the surgical area quickly.

Maintain the air cleanliness level of the surgical area (usually ISO 5 or Class 100)

Reduce the residence time of suspended particles in the air.

2. Prevents cross-infection and reduces post-operative infection rates

By continuously sending clean airflow to the operating table area and diluting and discharging it in all directions, it forms a positive pressure difference environment, preventing contaminated airflow from backing up into the operating area and effectively isolating cross contamination.

3. The core clean system that constitutes the Modular Operating Room

Modular Operating Room emphasizes standardization, assembly and efficient clean control, and laminar flow air supply ceiling is an indispensable part of the clean system, often with:

Air self-purification devices, fresh air system, differential pressure control system, etc. work together.

4. Provide low noise operating environment

Modern laminar flow ceiling design focuses on quietness, which helps maintain a quiet environment in the operating room and reduces the stress of medical staff.

5. Integration with lighting, towers, etc.

Some laminar airflow ceilings are also integrated with LED lighting, equipment hangers, camera systems, etc. to improve space utilization and surgical efficiency.