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Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Bronchoscopy challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic
Thomas R Gildea1, Basem B Abdelmalak2
1Departments of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and Transplant Center, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic gildeat@ccf.org.
Abstract:
Bronchoscopy is an aerosol-generating procedure that creates unique challenges for healthcare providers to reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 respiratory pathogen. As part of the initial response, Cleveland Clinic postponed elective surgeries including bronchoscopy. We established a 5-tier system for prioritizing the urgency of bronchoscopy procedures. When elective bronchoscopies were resumed, we established protocols to reduce aerosolization and potential virus transmission risks such as using an airborne infection-isolation room and changing to total intravenous anesthesia. Also, we established guidelines for periprocedural care and use of personal protective equipment including requirements for wearing N95 masks for all bronchoscopy procedures.
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