The Answer to the Silent "Super Spreader": An Innovative Way to Manage Chest Drains on Coronavirus Patients With Active Air Leaks.

ABSTRACT

The risk of aerosol transmission has been a key factor for the rapid dissemination of the coronavirus pandemic. Transportation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected patients with active air leaks could expose unprotected health care personnel and other patients to aerosolized viral particles. We devised a way to avoid aerosolization while the chest tube drain is on water seal. It involves placing an Ultipor100 viral filter on the suction port of the drain system as well as sealing off the safety valve. This mechanism allows positive pressure from an air leak to escape while on water seal while trapping viral particles.