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Author Spotlight: Learning Systematic Bronchoscopy in a Simulation-Base Setting

Author Spotlight: Learning Systematic Bronchoscopy in a Simulation-Base Setting

Published on: June 23, 2023

Simulation of Aerosol and Droplet Spread during Upper Airway and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Johannes Heymer¹, Florian Dengler¹, Alexander Krohn¹

¹Department of Interdisciplinary Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum Stuttgart, Katharinenhospital, Stuttgart, Germany.

Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)

|June 23, 2022

Abstract

Background And Aims:

Aerosols and droplets are the main vectors in transmission of highly contagious SARS-CoV-2. Invasive diagnostic procedures like upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy have been declared as aerosol-generating procedures. Protection of healthcare workers is crucial in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We simulated aerosol and droplet spread during upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy with and without physico-mechanical barriers using a simulation model.

Results:

A clear plastic drape as used for central venous access markedly reduced visualized aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy.

Conclusion:

A simple and cheap drape has the potential to reduce aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy. In terms of healthcare worker protection, this may be important particularly in low- or moderate-income countries.

Keywords:

Aerosol COVID-19 Droplets Endoscopy Staff safety

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