Aerosol protection using modified N95 respirator during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
Issued Date
2024-05-01
Resource Type
ISSN
22342400
eISSN
22342443
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85194294542
Journal Title
Clinical Endoscopy
Volume
57
Issue
3
Start Page
335
End Page
341
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Clinical Endoscopy Vol.57 No.3 (2024) , 335-341
Suggested Citation
Nampoolsuksan C., Akaraviputh T., Methasate A., Swangsri J., Trakarnsanga A., Phalanusitthepha C., Parakonthun T., Taweerutchana V., Srisuworanan N., Suwatthanarak T., Tawantanakorn T., Lohsiriwat V., Chinswangwatanakul V. Aerosol protection using modified N95 respirator during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Endoscopy Vol.57 No.3 (2024) , 335-341. 341. doi:10.5946/ce.2023.018 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98588
Title
Aerosol protection using modified N95 respirator during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
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Abstract
Background/Aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected the worldwide practice of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Here we designed a modified N95 respirator with a channel for endoscope insertion and evaluated its efficacy in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods: Thirty patients scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomized into the modified N95 (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The mask was placed on the patient after anesthesia administration and particles were counted every minute before (baseline) and during the procedure by a TSI AeroTrak particle counter (9306-04; TSI Inc.) and categorized by size (0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 µm). Differences in particle counts between time points were recorded. Results: During the procedure, the modified N95 group displayed significantly smaller overall particle sizes than the control group (median [interquartile range], 231 [54–385] vs. 579 [213–1,379]×103/m3; p=0.056). However, the intervention group had a significant decrease in 0.3-µm particles (68 [–25 to 185] vs. 242 [72–588] ×103/m3; p=0.045). No adverse events occurred in either group. The device did not cause any inconvenience to the endoscopists or patients. Conclusions: This modified N95 respirator reduced the number of particles, especially 0.3-µm particles, generated during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.