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  • Simulation of Aerosol and D...
    Heymer, Johannes; Dengler, Florian; Krohn, Alexander; Jaki, Christina; Schilling, Tobias; Mueller-Schilling, Martina; Kandulski, Arne; Ott, Matthias

    Digestive diseases (Basel), 2023, Volume: 41, Issue: 1
    Journal Article

    Aerosols and droplets are the main vectors in transmission of highly contagious SARS-CoV-2. Invasive diagnostic procedures like upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy have been declared as aerosol-generating procedures. Protection of healthcare workers is crucial in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. We simulated aerosol and droplet spread during upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy with and without physico-mechanical barriers using a simulation model. A clear plastic drape as used for central venous access markedly reduced visualized aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy. A simple and cheap drape has the potential to reduce aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy. In terms of healthcare worker protection, this may be important particularly in low- or moderate-income countries.