Surgeons wearing astronaut's helmets performing a hip replacement operation in a foldable clean room. Photograph, 1972.

Washington, D.C. : NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1972.

1 photograph : photoprint ; image 19.5 x 24.5 cm

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Washington, D.C. 20546. For release: February 8, 1972 ... New surgery facility. A surgery team at St Luke's Hospital in Denver performs a hip-joint replacement in a new clean room facility... Lettering printed on verso of item catalogued: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Washington, D.C. 20546. For release: February 8, 1972 ... New surgery facility. A surgery team at St Luke's Hospital in Denver performs a hip-joint replacement in a new clean room facility which helps lessen the danger of infection to the patient. The surgery is being performed in a foldable clean room which can be stored when not in use. Air is forced in a gentle breeze from the rear of the room to the open front. Team members "upwind" of the patient wear astronaut-type helmets and garments which are impermeable to bacteria. Team members "downwind" of the patient are not required to wear the special gear, since the air around them is circulated away from the patient. Application of the clean room technique for surgery was developed by Martin Marietta Corporation's Denver division for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and is being evaluated at St Luke's. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

"This photograph is a govenment publication -- not subject to copyright"

Wellcome Collection 996794i