Fayetteville-based University of Arkansas biomedical engineering students shadowed orthopedic surgeon John Harp, MD, of Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Ark., according to University of Arkansas News.
Here are five highlights:
1. The students observed knee, hip and shoulder replacement surgeries.
2. The students are currently developing a device that monitors airborne bacteria in the OR, designed to cut down surgical site infections.
3. The medical center trip allowed the students to visualize the setting for their device, and understand which areas of the OR might attract the most bacteria.
4. The students noticed the airflow patterns in the room, which indicated how the airborne bacteria travels.
5. Additionally, they identified open agar plates as a way for bacteria to become airborne in the OR.