Aerosol protection using modified N95 respirator during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
- Author:
Chawisa NAMPOOLSUKSAN
1
;
Thawatchai AKARAVIPUTH
;
Asada METHASATE
;
Jirawat SWANGSRI
;
Atthaphorn TRAKARNSANGA
;
Chainarong PHALANUSITTHEPHA
;
Thammawat PARAKONTHUN
;
Voraboot TAWEERUTCHANA
;
Nicha SRISUWORANAN
;
Tharathorn SUWATTHANARAK
;
Thikhamporn TAWANTANAKORN
;
Varut LOHSIRIWAT
;
Vitoon CHINSWANGWATANAKUL
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Clinical Endoscopy 2024;57(3):335-341
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background/Aims:The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected the worldwide practice of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Here we designed a modified N95 respirator with a channel for endoscope insertion and evaluated its efficacy in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Methods:Thirty patients scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomized into the modified N95 (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The mask was placed on the patient after anesthesia administration and particles were counted every minute before (baseline) and during the procedure by a TSI AeroTrak particle counter (9306-04; TSI Inc.) and categorized by size (0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 µm). Differences in particle counts between time points were recorded.
Results:During the procedure, the modified N95 group displayed significantly smaller overall particle sizes than the control group (median [interquartile range], 231 [54–385] vs. 579 [213–1,379]×103/m3; p=0.056). However, the intervention group had a significant decrease in 0.3-µm particles (68 [–25–185] vs. 242 [72–588]×103/m3; p=0.045). No adverse events occurred in either group. The device did not cause any inconvenience to the endoscopists or patients.
Conclusions:This modified N95 respirator reduced the number of particles, especially 0.3-µm particles, generated during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
