Heater cooler and Mycobacterium chimaera

Mycobacterium chimaera (MC) was identified in some patients who underwent surgery operations. Literature has identified as possible means of contamination condensed water from heater-cooler devices (HCDs) which is aerosolized during operation. Manufactures of HCDs provide disinfection procedures in order to minimize the risk of contamination. However positive samples were detected and a new in-house hygienification procedure was developed. Aim of the study was to compare the hygienification manufacturer procedure versus the hospital one