Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2021
Aerosol Generation During Myringotomy With Tympanostomy Tube Insertion: Implications for Otolaryngology in the COVID-19 Era.
The risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission to health care workers during myringotomy and tympanostomy tube (MT) insertion is unknown. To determine the need for enhanced precautions to prevent potential spread via aerosolized particles, we used an optical particle sizer to measure aerosol generation intraoperatively during a case series of MT insertion. ⋯ There was no measured increase in aerosol particle number during the procedure at a distance of 30 cm from the external auditory canal. These initial data are reassuring regarding the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to the operating room team due to aerosol generation, but further study is necessary before making definitive recommendations.