Commonly available but highly effective protection against SARS-CoV-2 during gastrointestinal endoscopies.

Radan Keil,Petr Stanovský,Jan Šťovíček,Vojtěch Petráček,Martin Wasserbauer,Barbora Frýbová,Jiří Drábek,Vladimír Ždímal,Štěpán Hlava,Milan Trojánek,Sanjiv Mahadeva

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0254979

Abstract

Background and aimsSARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide serious health problem. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the number of potentially infectious particles present during endoscopic procedures and find effective tools to eliminate the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection while performing them.MethodsAn experimental model which focused on aerosol problematics was made in a specialized laboratory. This model simulated conditions present during endoscopic procedures and monitored the formation of potentially infectious fluid particles from the patient’s body, which pass through the endoscope and are then released into the environment. For this reason, we designed and tested a prototype of a protective cover for the endoscope’s control body to prevent the release and spread of these fluid particles from its working channel. We performed measurements with and without the protective cover of the endoscope’s control body.ResultsIt was found that liquid coming through the working channel of the endoscope with forceps or other instruments inside generates droplets with a diameter in the range of 0.1–1.1 mm and an initial velocity of up to 0.9 m/s. The average number of particles per measurement per whole measured area without a protective cover on the endoscope control body was 51.1; with this protective cover on, the measurement was 0.0, p<0.0001.ConclusionsOur measurements proved that fluid particles are released from the working channel of an endoscope when forceps are inserted. A special protective cover for the endoscope control body, made out of breathable material (surgical cap) and designed by our team, was found to eliminate this release of potentially infectious fluid particles.

Highlights

At the end of 2019, a number of serious cases a previously unknown disease mainly affecting the respiratory tract were first reported in China
Our measurements proved that fluid particles are released from the working channel of an endoscope when forceps are inserted
Our study proved a release of fluid particles from the working channel of an endoscope, which moves from the tip throughout the entire length of the device when forceps or other endoscopic instruments are inserted

Summary

Introduction

At the end of 2019, a number of serious cases a previously unknown disease mainly affecting the respiratory tract (later known as Covid-19) were first reported in China. The number of cases increased dramatically and infection expanded worldwide. As of 1st June 2021, more than 170 000 000 cases of the disease had been confirmed with over 3 500 000 deaths. As of this writing, these numbers continue to grow significantly day by day. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a serious and international health problem. This infection is characterized by rapid transmission of the virus between people. SARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide serious health problem. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the number of potentially infectious particles present during endoscopic procedures and find effective tools to eliminate the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection while performing them

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion