Shielding device for endoscopic procedures during lower gastrointestinal endoscopy

Objectives

The coronavirus pandemic significantly impacted endoscopic practice. During lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, infectious substances disseminate; therefore, we developed an infection control device (STEP‐L) for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and examined its usefulness.

Methods

STEP‐L wraps around the patient's buttocks and covers the endoscope. Using lower endoscopy training models, three endoscopists performed 18 colonoscopies with STEP‐L (group S) and without (group C). Endoscopic insertion time and pigmented areas of ​​gloves and diapers after the examination were compared between both groups.

Results

Insertion of the endoscope up to the cecum was possible in all 18 examinations. The insertion time to the cecum was 52.4 ± 19.0 s in group S and 53.9 ± 13.3 s in group C. The pigmented areas of the ​​gloves measured 39,108.0 ± 16,155.3 pixels in group C, but were significantly reduced to 2610.5 ± 4333.8 pixels in group S (p < 0.05). The pigmented areas of the diapers measured 2280.9 ± 3285.2 pixels in group C, but were significantly reduced to 138.0 ± 82.9 pixels in group S (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Using STEP‐L does not change the insertion time, and is technically feasible. STEP‐L significantly reduces the adhesion of virtual pollutants to the surroundings, suggesting that this device is useful for infection control during lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Possibility of new shielding device for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Background and study aims  Infection control is essential when performing endoscopic procedures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we have developed a new shielding device called STEP for infection control in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients and methods  STEP consists of a mask worn by the patient and a drape that is connected to the mask and covers the endoscope. A suction tube attached to the mask prevents aerosols from spreading. The endoscopist operates the endoscope through the drape. Three endoscopists performed a total of 18 examinations using an upper endoscopy training model with and without STEP. Endoscopic images were evaluated by three other endoscopists, using a visual analog scale. We also simulated contact, droplet, and aerosol infection and evaluated the utility of STEP. Results  All examinations were conducted without a problem. Mean procedure time was 126.3 ± 11.6 seconds with STEP and 122.3 ± 10.0 seconds without STEP. The mean visual analog score was 90.7 ± 10.1 with STEP and 90.4 ± 10.0 without STEP. In the contact model, adherence of simulated contaminants was 4.9 ± 1.4 % without STEP and 0 % with STEP. In the droplet model, the number of simulated contaminants attached to the paper was 338 273 ± 90 735 pixels without STEP and 0 with STEP. In the aerosol model, the total number of particles was 346 837 ± 9485 without STEP and was significantly reduced to 222 ± 174 with STEP. Conclusions  No effect on examination time or endoscopic image quality was observed when using STEP in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Using STEP reduced the diffusion of simulated contaminants in all three infection models.

Textures in thin films of nematic liquid crystals induced by strongly focusing a circularly polarized laser

We investigate the rearrangement of the director in thin films of nematic liquid crystals caused by tightly focusing circularly polarized laser beams. We find either target or spiral patterns, depending on the topology of the director configuration at the position of the beam focus. The induced rearrangements of the director are governed by the viscosity of the media, the handedness of circular polarization, and the irradiation power of the laser. Experimental observations are interpreted using a model derived from nematic continuum theory.