Barrier for Particle Dispersion Control During Mastoidectomy.

Introduction The China Health Authority alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) of several cases of pneumonia, and the WHO has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Mastoidectomy is a high-risk aerosol generating procedure with the potential to expose the surgeon to infectious particles. Objective Aim to develop a low-cost prototype for a barrier device that can be used during mastoidectomy. Methods Describe the steps involved during otological emergency, requiring immediate surgical procedure, in untested patients. The Otorhinolaryngology Surgical Team of Walter Cantídio Hospital developed the barrier for particle dispersion presented here. Results During surgery, the prototype did not compromise visualization of the surgical field and instrumentation. Microscope repositioning was not compromised or limited by tent Instrumentation and instrument pouch under the Microscope-Tent (MT) performed surgery. After surgery, the plastic sheet was removed simply, without requiring strength. Bone dust and irrigation droplets were collected on the tent. Conclusion Our team developed and practiced, in an otologic emergency, a low-cost and reproducible barrier device that can be used in mastoidectomy in COVID-19 patients. Further tests on efficacy may be necessary.

Barrier for Particle Dispersion Control During Mastoidectomy

Abstract Introduction The China Health Authority alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) of several cases of pneumonia, and the WHO has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Mastoidectomy is a high-risk aerosol generating procedure with the potential to expose the surgeon to infectious particles. Objective Aim to develop a low-cost prototype for a barrier device that can be used during mastoidectomy. Methods Describe the steps involved during otological emergency, requiring immediate surgical procedure, in untested patients. The Otorhinolaryngology Surgical Team of Walter Cantídio Hospital developed the barrier for particle dispersion presented here. Results During surgery, the prototype did not compromise visualization of the surgical field and instrumentation. Microscope repositioning was not compromised or limited by tent Instrumentation and instrument pouch under the Microscope-Tent (MT) performed surgery. After surgery, the plastic sheet was removed simply, without requiring strength. Bone dust and irrigation droplets were collected on the tent. Conclusion Our team developed and practiced, in an otologic emergency, a low-cost and reproducible barrier device that can be used in mastoidectomy in COVID-19 patients. Further tests on efficacy may be necessary.

Barrier device prototype for open tracheotomy during COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To present a low-cost prototype for a barrier enclosure device which can be used during open surgeries such as tracheotomy. METHODS: We provide detailed description of a novel device called COVID-Box, developed by The Surgical Airway Team for COVID-19 Pandemic, a temporary task force formed by Walter Cantídio University Hospital. Safety guidelines for performing tracheotomies in COVID-19 patients are also stated. RESULTS: Our prototype device provides greater hand mobility than previous barrier devices reported, making it more suitable for airway surgical procedures, such as tracheotomy. The curved shaped format and the customizable access ports provides ergonomics, without compromising safety. CONCLUSION: The COVID-Box appears to be an efficient, reproduceable, low-cost barrier enclosure device that can be used for open tracheotomies in ICU patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sternectomy for Treating Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Skin cancer is a rare indication of sternectomy. Our goal is to report the clinical course of seven patients who underwent sternectomy for skin cancer. METHODS: The survey data were collected from medical records of patients treated between 2008 and 2018 at Ceará Cancer Institute. RESULTS: All patients had prolonged sunlight exposure and average disease time of two years and age of 60 years. Most patients recovered favorably after treatment with prolonged survival. CONCLUSION: Sternectomy remains an option with curative purposes for locally advanced skin cancer.