A Wi-Fi-Based Mask-Type Laryngoscope for Telediagnosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Instrument Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has become mandatory. Wireless endoscopy in contactless examinations promises to protect health care workers and reduce viral spread. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to introduce a contactless endoscopic diagnosis system using a wireless endoscope resembling a mask. METHODS: The Wi-Fi-based contactless mask endoscopy system comprises a disposable endoscope and a controller. First, the effective force applied by the tip during insertion was evaluated in a simple transoral model consisting of a force sensor on a simulated oropharynx wall. Second, the delay in video streaming was evaluated by comparing the frame rate and delays between a movement and its image over direct and Wi-Fi connections. Third, the system was applied to a detailed laryngopharyngeal tract phantom. RESULTS: The smartphone-controlled wireless endoscopy system was successfully evaluated. The mean, maximum, and minimum collision forces against the wall of the transoral model were 296 mN (30 gf), 363 mN (37 gf), and 235 mN (24 gf), respectively. The delay resulting from the wireless connection was 0.72 seconds. Using the phantom, an inexperienced user took around 1 minute to orient the endoscope to a desired area via the app. CONCLUSIONS: Device articulation does not pose a significant risk of laryngopharyngeal wall penetration, and latency does not significantly impede its use. Contactless wireless video streaming was successful within the access point range regardless of the presence of walls. The mask endoscope can be controlled and articulated wirelessly, minimizing contact between patients and device operators. By minimizing contact, the device can protect health care workers from infectious viruses like the coronavirus.

Infection control of operating room and anesthesia for cesarean section during the COVID-19 outbreak in Daegu, the Republic of Korea -a case series.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China, with Korea being subsequently exposed. In Korea, COVID-19 screening guidelines have been established in every hospital as an attempt to prevent its spread. There has been a previous report of a successful cesarean section of a confirmed mother; however, there remain no guidelines for suspected mothers. Cesarean section is often urgently operated without sufficient infection evaluations. We would like to suggest anesthetic management guidelines for cesarean section patients suspected of COVID-19. CASE: Our hospital, which is located in Daegu, Korea, was designated as a quarantine and delivery facility for suspected mothers. We performed the cesarean section on seven suspected mothers and one confirmed mother. CONCLUSIONS: This case report presents guidelines for infection control during surgery and anesthesia for cesarean section of mothers with suspected COVID-19 involving operating room preparation and protection strategy.

The experience of infection prevention for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during general anesthesia in an epidemic of COVID-19: including unexpected exposure case - Two cases report.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been an epidemic in the Republic of Korea since the first patient who came in China was confirmed as having the disease on January 19, 2020. Therefore, surgery for COVID-19-related patients is expected to increase. CASE: We experienced two cases of COVID-19-related patients who underwent surgery for femur fracture under general anesthesia. In one case, infection control to prevent transmission was achieved, while in the second case, healthcare workers were exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). CONCLUSIONS: In areas where there is COVID-19 epidemic, SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction should be performed before surgery in patients with symptoms of respiratory infection such as fever, cough, and sputum, or for those in whom the possibility of COVID-19 cannot be completely excluded. Efforts should be made to prevent healthcare worker's exposure and the contamination of the operating room.