Root cause analysis of epidural spinal cord stimulator implant infections with resolution after implementation of an improved protocol for surgical placement

The study reviews the reasons behind infections occurring after placing spinal cord stimulators in patients with spinal cord injuries. A team analyzed different factors, like patient health, equipment, and surgical procedures, to find the causes. The analysis led to improvements in the surgical process to reduce infections, such as better screening and cleaning procedures.

• 1
  The root cause analysis identified potential areas of infectious exposures, including preoperative screening, equipment disinfection, and operative procedures.
• 2
  The use of vancomycin powder was associated with a higher incidence of infections or wound dehiscence.
• 3
  Limiting traffic in the OR, ceasing vancomycin powder use, and modifying incision techniques showed promise in controlling postoperative infections.