Overview of different modified full-face snorkelling masks for intraoperative protection

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide. The rate of infected healthcare workers is > 10% in Italy. Within this dramatic scenario, the development of new personal protective equipment (PPE) devices is mandatory. This study focuses on validation of modified full-face snorkel masks (MFFSM) as safe and protective equipment against SARS-CoV-2 infection during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the upper aerodigestive tract. Methods. Five different MFFSM were tested during otolaryngological surgery and in anaesthesia procedures. Data were collected through an online survey to assess the feedback of operators. pO2 and pCO2 monitoring values during procedures were recorded in selected cases. Results. All five MFFSM tested were easy to use and gave all operators a sound “feeling” of protection. All clinicians involved had common agreement regarding safety and the userfriendly format. Conclusions. In the future, specific development of different type of masks for protection in the operating room, intensive care units and/or office will be possible as a joint venture between clinicians and developers. Goals for clinicians include better definition of needs and priorities, while developers can devote their expertise to produce devices that meet medical requirements.

Panoramica delle diverse maschere snorkelling modificate per la protezione intraoperatoria.Obiettivo: La pandemia di COVID-19 ha tuttora un impatto significativo sui sistemi sanitari di tutto il mondo. Il tasso di operatori sanitari italiani che hanno contratto linfezione e superiore al 10%. In questo drammatico scenario, la comunita scientifica si e impegnata nello sviluppo di nuovi dispositivi di protezione individuale. Il nostro studio si concentra sulluso di maschere da snorkelling modificate (MFFSM) come dispositivi di protezione individuali contro linfezione da virus COVID-19 durante procedure diagnostiche e terapeutiche sul tratto aerodigestivo superiore.Metodi: Cinque diversi tipi di MFFSM sono stati testati. I dati sono stati raccolti attraver-so un sondaggio online; solo per la maschera OceanReef Aria QR+ sono stati registrati i valori intraoperatori di pO2 e pCO2.Risultati: Tutte le MFFSM testate si sono rivelate di facile utilizzo e tutti gli operatori hanno riferito una sensazione di comfort, mantenendo una sensazione di sicurezza durante laprocedura.Conclusione: In futuro sara possibile lo sviluppo di specifiche maschere per laprotezione in sala operatoria e in terapia intensiva sulla base di una stretta collaborazione tra clinici e ingegneri. Lobiettivo per i medici sara definire con precisione le loro esigenze, mentre per le industrie produttrici sara mettere a disposizione il loro expertise per fornire dispositivi che incontrino le necessita sanitarie.Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide. The rate of infected healthcare workers is > 10% in Italy. Within this dramatic scenario, the development of new personal protective equipment (PPE) devices is mandatory. This study focuses on validation of modified full-face snorkel masks (MFFSM) as safe and protective equipment against SARS-CoV-2 infection during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the upper aerodigestive tract.Methods: Five different MFFSM were tested during otolaryngological surgery and in anaesthesia procedures. Data were collected through an online survey to assess the feedback of operators. pO2 and pCO2 monitoring values during procedures were recorded in selected cases.Results: All five MFFSM tested were easy to use and gave all operators a sound feeling of protection. All clinicians involved had common agreement regarding safety and the userfriendly format.Conclusions: In the future, specific development of different type of masks for protection in the operating room, intensive care units and/or office will be possible as a joint venture between clinicians and developers. Goals for clinicians include better definition of needs and priorities, while developers can devote their expertise to produce devices that meet medical requirements.