key: cord-0715664-cds4wd2i
authors: Balestra, Gianmarco; Kaufmann, Beat A.; Zhou, Qian
title: Use of a protective shield successfully prevents exposure to aerosols and droplets during transesophageal echocardiography
date: 2020-05-03
journal: J Am Soc Echocardiogr
DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.04.028
sha: aa3ae832fd246237660062ac044b4490d0bdd9df
doc_id: 715664
cord_uid: cds4wd2i

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We simulated cough using an endotracheal tube connected to a pressure sprayer filled with cold water. The tube was placed in the mouth of a mannequin next to the TEE probe, and water was released at 2 bar towards the examiner sitting or standing (B, Video 1). Water droplets were depicted as blue spots using an infrared camera (VarioCam, InfraTec).

Performing TEE while sitting, water droplets were found on the lateral side of the face shield, Our simulation suggests that the lateral side of the examiner facing the patient is not adequately protected by standard PPE during TEE. Performing TEE standing reduces contamination. But the most efficient protection was achieved using the mobile protective shield.

We are aware that our simulation method, although pragmatic, overproduced droplets in comparison to aerosols, and our detection method could not identify small quantities of 

COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system

ASE Statement on Protection of Patients and Echocardiography Service Providers During the