Respiratory disease, and treatment / thematic poster session development of a mask for bronchoscopy to prevent infection under COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic makes us realize that infectious disease a threat for humankind. Because respiratory infections such as coronaviruses are transmitted through contact and droplets, bronchoscopy is thought to be a high risk manipuration. An increased risk of virus transmission through droplets and aerosols has been reported, and strict infection control measures are essential. Healthcare providers take standard precautions, but few measures are taken on the side of patients who generates infectious droplets and aerosols.Therefore, innovative and user-friendly measures to cut droplets and aerosols are highly desirable.Method: To prevent droplets and aerosols during bronchoscopy, we created a simple, disposable, costeffective, mask for the patients who undergo bronchoscopy, with the Japanese mask industry help. The mask has a 10-mm-slit in the center for insertion of bronchoscope and a 6-mm-slit on both sides for suction catheter, which is realized with its unique pleats. The slits are closed with an electrified filter unless the tube is pierced. To evaluate the effectiveness of the prevention of droplet dispersal from the mouth, visualization of the particles with the super-highly sensitive camera and high-power light source (ViEST system) with or without the mask (bronchoscope and one suction catheter inserted) was performed and analyzed. With the quantification of droplets, and analysis of fluorescence-based image, the efficacy of prevention was evaluated. Moreover, we do the simulation with fluid dynamics software (Cradle) to visualize the spread of aerosol. The Aerosol was almost prevented with the mask. We also accessed the feasibility via the observation time of the bronchoscopy for the doctors. Results: The visualization and quantification of the droplets with ViEST system revealed that almost all the droplets are cut with the mask on bronchoscope. The simulation of the aerosol spreading indicated that the mask prevented the straightforward spreading of the aerosol from the patient's mouth. The observation time of bronchoscopy did not show the difference between with mask and without mask.In conclusion, this new mask might be useful in preventing splashes and aerosols during bronchoscopy. .