Management of tracheostomy during COVID-19 outbreak: Heat and moisture exchanger filter and closed suctioning system

Adoption and Utilization of Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) in the Tracheostomy Patient

OBJECTIVE

Management of tracheostomized patients typically involves a conventional external humidification system (CEHS). CEHS are noisy, negatively impact patient mobility, and increases costs. Additionally, they prevent phonation and the ability to cough. Alternatively, heat and moisture exchange (HME) devices have been used in laryngectomized patients. We present an institutional quality improvement project exploring the use and efficacy of an HME device following tracheostomy.

METHODS

Health care professionals and stakeholders from multiple disciplines were identified: otolaryngology, nursing, administration, case management, and speech-language pathology. The focus was on an otolaryngology acute care nursing unit. Protocols for product acquisition, nursing education, care flowcharts, and discharge planning were established. Efficacy was assessed by tracking patient pulmonary status, nursing notes, and questionnaires.

RESULTS

Seventy-one tracheostomized patients were enrolled. Two patients (2.8%) were unable to tolerate the HME. There were no complications from mucous plugging or respiratory distress. Eighty-nine percent of nursing staff surveyed preferred the use of an HME device over CEHS, particularly for ease of patient mobility. Additional favorable findings were patient satisfaction, cost savings, reduced noise, communication, and ease of discharge education and planning.

DISCUSSION

Replacing CEHS with HMEs provides distinct advantages, with a positive impact on patients, family members, and health care personnel. Resistance to changing from the traditional standard of care was alleviated with education, focused training, and positive outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

These data indicate that an HME device is safe and offers advantages to both patients and nurses over traditional CEHS.

Closed Endotracheal Suction Systems for COVID-19: Rapid Review

BACKGROUND

The increase in admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) in 2020 and the morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection pose a challenge to the analysis of evidence of health interventions carried out in ICUs. One of the most common interventions in patients infected with the virus and admitted to ICUs is endotracheal aspiration. Endotracheal suctioning has also been considered one of the most contaminating interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to analyze the benefits and risks of endotracheal suctioning using closed suction systems (CSS) in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

A rapid review was carried out using the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and IBECS. The data search included articles in English and Spanish, published between 2010 and 2020, concerning adult patients, and using the key words "endotracheal," "suction," and "closed system."

RESULTS

A total of 15 articles were included. The benefits and risks were divided into 3 categories: patient, care, and organization. Relating to the patient, we found differences in cardiorespiratory variables and changes in the ventilator, for example, improvement in patients with elevated positive and end-expiratory pressure due to maladaptation and alveolar collapse. Relating to care, we found a shorter suctioning time, by up to 1 minute. Relating to organization, we found fewer microorganisms on staff gloves. Other conflicting results between studies were related to ventilator-associated pneumonia, bacterial colonization, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Aside from the need for quality research comparing open suction systems and CSS as used to treat COVID-19 patients, closed endotracheal suctioning has benefits in terms of shorter stay in the ICU and reduced environmental contamination, preventing ventilator disconnection from the patient, reducing the suctioning time-though it does produce the greatest number of mucosal occlusions-and preventing interpatient and patient-staff environmental contamination. New evidence in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is required in order to compare results and establish new guidelines.

Infection control management strategy for operating room during COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks have occurred in many countries around the world. The numbers of confirmed cases and deaths continue to increase. It is increasingly likely that COVID-19 patients will require emergency surgeries in the operating room (OR). As COVID-19 can easily be transmitted to healthcare workers and other patients during surgery, it is important to establish a set of infection prevent and control management strategy to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in the OR. Based on our experience in COVID-19 prevention and control in the OR, we introduce this COVID-19 prevention and control management strategy for preventing COVID-19 from spreading in the OR. This management strategy includes a number of COVID-19 prevention and control procedures including (I) conduct COVID-19 knowledge training at the early stage of outbreak, (II) formulate the surgery arrangement procedures and suspend the elective surgery if the patient confirmed to COVID-19, (III) divide an isolated OR area for COVID-19 surgery, (IV) preoperative preparation procedures, (V) procedures for wearing and removing personal protective equipment, (VI) anesthesia management, intraoperative management, (VII) post-operative disposable waste management and disinfection. This management strategy has worked very effectively since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan at the end of 2019. We have performed emergency surgeries on several COVID-19 confirmed patient and dozens of COVID-19 suspected patients under this COVID-19 prevention and control management strategy, and have achieved an excellent result of zero COVID-19 infection in the OR.

Bain H: Innovative Modification of Bain Circuit for the Resuscitation and Transportation of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

Bain H circuit is an innovatively modified breathing circuit designed for the transportation and resuscitation of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For this circuit, the Heidbrink valve was replaced with a 15F inlet and 15M/22F outlet adjustable pressure-limiting (APL) valve, and a high-efficiency particulate air filter was placed over the APL outlet valve. The circuit is designed to filter the novel coronavirus without any increase in dead space or resistance. All benefits of the conventional Bain circuit were retained. Besides its use in dedicated COVID-19 areas, this circuit can be used in other emergency units of the hospital.

Multidisciplinary Safety Recommendations After Tracheostomy During COVID-19 Pandemic: State of the Art Review

OBJECTIVE

In the chronic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions have arisen regarding the care of patients with a tracheostomy and downstream management. This review addresses gaps in the literature regarding posttracheostomy care, emphasizing safety of multidisciplinary teams, coordinating complex care needs, and identifying and managing late complications of prolonged intubation and tracheostomy.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Scholar, institutional guidance documents.

REVIEW METHODS

Literature through June 2020 on the care of patients with a tracheostomy was reviewed, including consensus statements, clinical practice guidelines, institutional guidance, and scientific literature on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 virology and immunology. Where data were lacking, expert opinions were aggregated and adjudicated to arrive at consensus recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Best practices in caring for patients after a tracheostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic are multifaceted, encompassing precautions during aerosol-generating procedures; minimizing exposure risks to health care workers, caregivers, and patients; ensuring safe, timely tracheostomy care; and identifying and managing laryngotracheal injury, such as vocal fold injury, posterior glottic stenosis, and subglottic stenosis that may affect speech, swallowing, and airway protection. We present recommended approaches to tracheostomy care, outlining modifications to conventional algorithms, raising vigilance for heightened risks of bleeding or other complications, and offering recommendations for personal protective equipment, equipment, care protocols, and personnel.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Treatment of patients with a tracheostomy in the COVID-19 pandemic requires foresight and may rival procedural considerations in tracheostomy in their complexity. By considering patient-specific factors, mitigating transmission risks, optimizing the clinical environment, and detecting late manifestations of severe COVID-19, clinicians can ensure due vigilance and quality care.

Critical Care Guidance for Tracheostomy Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global, Multidisciplinary Approach

PURPOSE

Critical care nurses caring for patients with a tracheostomy are at high risk because of the predilection of SARS-CoV-2 for respiratory and mucosal surfaces. This review identifies patient-centered practices that ensure safety and reduce risk of infection transmission to health care workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

Consensus statements, guidelines, institutional recommendations, and scientific literature on COVID-19 and previous outbreaks were reviewed. A global interdisciplinary team analyzed and prioritized findings via electronic communications and video conferences to develop consensus recommendations.

RESULTS

Aerosol-generating procedures are commonly performed by nurses and other health care workers, most notably during suctioning, tracheostomy tube changes, and stoma care. Patient repositioning, readjusting circuits, administering nebulized medications, and patient transport also present risks. Standard personal protective equipment includes an N95/FFP3 mask with or without surgical masks, gloves, goggles, and gown when performing aerosol-generating procedures for patients with known or suspected COVID-19. Viral testing of bronchial aspirate via tracheostomy may inform care providers when determining the protective equipment required. The need for protocols to reduce risk of transmission of infection to nurses and other health care workers is evident.

CONCLUSION

Critical care nurses and multidisciplinary teams often care for patients with a tracheostomy who are known or suspected to have COVID-19. Appropriate care of these patients relies on safeguarding the health care team. The practices described in this review may greatly reduce risk of infectious transmission.

Practical strategies to reduce nosocomial transmission to healthcare professionals providing respiratory care to patients with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging viral infection that is rapidly spreading across the globe. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the same coronavirus class that caused respiratory illnesses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). During the SARS and MERS outbreaks, many frontline healthcare workers were infected when performing high-risk aerosol-generating medical procedures as well as when providing basic patient care. Similarly, COVID-19 disease has been reported to infect healthcare workers at a rate of ~ 3% of cases treated in the USA. In this review, we conducted an extensive literature search to develop practical strategies that can be implemented when providing respiratory treatments to COVID-19 patients, with the aim to help prevent nosocomial transmission to the frontline workers.

Tracheostomy care during COVID 19 pandemic in a head and neck oncology unit

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Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGP) and interventions are challenging during COVID-19.

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During Emergencies AGP poses a major threat to health care workers and other patients.

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Minimisation of aerosolisation is best achieved by techniques such as closed suctioning and enhanced use of HME.

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