Innovation in the Airway Approach During the COVID-19 Pandemic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25751/rspa.19998Keywords:
Airway Management, COVID-19, Intubation, Intratracheal, PandemicsAbstract
COVID-19 is predominantly transmitted by droplets, with the risk of infection being greatly increased in aerosol-generating procedures, such as intubation, extubation and aspiration of the orotracheal tube. Given the high transmission of this disease, it led to a reorganization of hospital teams and dynamics, with the implementation of additional protection measures. Medical innovation has taken an interesting role in the development of equipment that provides protection when approaching the airway. We present a clinical case of a COVID-19 patient admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), that complicated with cardiopulmonary arrest. For the airway approach, an aerosol box and an orotracheal tube clamp were employed, providing professionals with an additional protection from exposure to droplets without delaying their approach. Nevertheless, training and preparation of the staff is necessary in order to enhance the benefits and reduce the difficulties associated with the lack of experience in their use.
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