Tracheostomy during COVID‐19 pandemic—Novel approach

Abstract

Background: This study describes a novel approach in reducing SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission during tracheostomy.

Methods: Five patients underwent tracheostomy between April 1, 2020 and April 17, 2020. A clear and sterile plastic drape was used as an additional physical barrier against droplets and aerosols. Operative diagnosis; droplet count and distribution on plastic sheet and face shields were documented.

Results: Tracheostomy was performed for patients with carcinoma of tonsil (n = 2) and nasopharynx (n = 1), and aspiration pneumonia (n = 2). Droplet contamination was noted on all plastic sheets (n = 5). Droplet contamination was most severe over the central surface at 91.5% (86.7%‐100.0%) followed by the left and right lateral surfaces at 5.2% (6.7%‐10.0%) and 3.3% (6.7%‐10.0%), respectively. No droplet contamination was noted on all face shields.

Conclusion: Plastic drapes can help reduce viral transmission to health care providers during tracheostomy. Face shields may be spared which in turn helps to conserve resources during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.