Development of a Mask for Bronchoscopy to Prevent Infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Image Evaluation

• Published in: American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine Vol. 204; no. 5; pp. e56 - e58
• Main Authors: Yasui, Hirotoshi, Okachi, Shotaro, Fukatsu, Noriaki, Sato, Kazuhide
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York American Thoracic Society 01.09.2021
• Subjects: Bronchoscopy; COVID-19; Images in Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and the Sciences; Masks; Pandemics; Risk factors
• ISSN: 1073-449X; 1535-4970
• DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202010-4037IM

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the realization that infectious diseases are a threat to humankind. As coronaviruses are transmitted through contact and droplets, bronchoscopy is considered a high-risk procedure (1, 2). Owing to the increased risk of virus transmission through droplets and aerosols, strict infection-control measures are essential (3, 4). To prevent droplets and aerosols during bronchoscopy, we created a simple disposable mask for patients who undergo bronchoscopy with the help of the Japanese mask industry. The mask has a 10-mm slit in the center for inserting a bronchoscope and a 6-mm slit on both sides for suction catheter. The slits are closed with an electrified filter unless the tube is pierced.