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.Mahidol University2024-06-022024-06-022024-05-01Clinical Endoscopy Vol.57 No.3 (2024) , 335-34122342400https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98588Background/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.MedicineArticleSCOPUS10.5946/ce.2023.0182-s2.0-8519429454222342443