Background: High-speed drilling during neurosurgical procedures lead to aerosol generation. Contaminated particles when dispersed can lead to transmission of disease in healthcare workers via air-borne route. We designed and validated the utility of an innovative microscope drape, in mitigating the dispersion of aerosol, while drilling on an ex-vivo model. Methods: Two consecutive high-speed drilling operative simulations were performed using a dry-model under operative-microscope with and without drape, respectively, to demonstrate the degree of particulate dispersion while high-speed drilling using a 10% Povidone-Iodine solution for irrigation. Results: There was significantly lower particulate dispersion and soiling of surgeon's gown, mask, and surrounding drapes outside the immediate operative field using the customized microscope mounted drape. Conclusions: Customized microscope mounted drape is effective in containing the widespread particulate dispersion associated with high-speed drilling under a microscope. The benefits of this specialized drape can translate into a safer micro-environment for operating surgeons during drilling procedures.
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