European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
Percutaneous tracheostomy simulation training for ENT physicians in the treatment of COVID-19-positive patients.
Tracheostomy in COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory syndrome is at high risk of viral dissemination. The percutaneous dilatation technique could reduce this risk, being performed at the bedside and minimising airway opening. In the COVID-19 context, however, with precarious respiratory status, it requires specific preparation. ⋯ A low-tech procedural simulator was also developed for practicing the steps of the procedure. Our experience (3 sessions with 14 participants) highlighted the difficult points of the procedure in the COVID-19 context, and defined a checklist for clinical practice and an assessment grid. This type of simulation helps to prepare teams for a potentially delicate technical act.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy for saturating influx of COVID-19 patients: Experience of military ENT physicians deployed in Mulhouse, France.
The main objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous tracheostomy performed under difficult conditions by military ENT physicians during their deployment in the military intensive care field hospital of the French Military Medical Service in Mulhouse to confront the exceptional COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective was to assess reliability and safety for patient and caregivers, with a risk of iatrogenic viral contamination. ⋯ This study showed the feasibility of percutaneous tracheostomy by an ENT physician under COVID-19 biohazard conditions. The technique was fast, easy and safe and met safety requirements for patient and staff.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
Treatment of sleep apnea by ENT specialists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The treatment of sleep disorders has been strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the lockdown is over, resumption of usual patient care will require precautions to limit the risk of contamination for patients and caregivers. In this document, the French Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Sleep disorders (AFSORL) and the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) put forward a summary of the measures for continuing the treatment of sleep apnoea syndrome in these new practice conditions. Emphasis is placed on teleconsultation, methods of nocturnal sleep studies, the conditions for treatment by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation, and the postponement of more invasive treatments.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
COVID-19 and rhinology, from the consultation room to the operating theatre.
The purpose of this article is to give rhinologists advice on how to adapt their standard practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main goal of these recommendations is to protect healthcare workers against COVID-19 while continuing to provide emergency care so as to prevent loss of chance for patients. We reviewed our recommendations concerning consultations, medical prescriptions and surgical activity in rhinology.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Sep 2020
How and why use the EasyBreath® surface snorkeling mask as a personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the COVID-19 outbreak, personal protective equipment is widely used to limit infection of caregivers. Innovative solutions have been described to overcome supply shortage. ⋯ We tested the mask during surgery. The modifications that we made provide better ergonomics, visibility and communication capacities, but that have no official approval for use and can therefore only be recommended in the absence of a validated alternative solution. 3D printing is a tool of prime importance in the production of devices for medical use in health crisis situations.