Climatization in operating theatres

Climatization systems in operating theatres must provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the patients and the surgical team; in fact, there are a multitude of factors to be considering and analyzing for avoiding the evidence of many problems such as hypothermia, anaesthetical gases pollution, thermal discomfort. Comfort conditions can be achieved by controlling microclimatic parameters and air movement; an healthy environment can be achieved minimizing the risks of contamination.
This article summarizes the relevant literature about methods used for the
environmental evaluation of the operating theatres and the actually used HVAC systems for achieving thermal comfort and for obtaining an healthy environment.
By the use of an operating theatre model at real scale, simulations will be effectuated in order to determine the appropriate ventilation rates for obtaining the dilution of chemical (anaesthetical gases) and physic-biological contaminants. It will be useful for the determination of microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity) necessary for avoiding risks for the patients, such as hypothermia, and for assuring comfort of the surgical team.
The results could be used also for the obtainment of high standards of environmental hygiene that determine a reduction of infections, costs and post-operatory times.