CORONA-steps for tracheotomy in COVID-19 patients: A staff-safe method for airway management

Oral Oncol. 2020 Jun:105:104682. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104682. Epub 2020 Apr 6.

¹ Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Roma, Italy.
² Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Roma, Italy. Electronic address: francesco.mazzola@ifo.gov.it.
³ Ear Nose and Throat and Audiology Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 44124 Ferrara, Italy.
⁴ Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090 Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Alessandro Manzoni, 56, 20089 Rozzano (MI), Italy.

Abstract

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The recent outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 has assumed worldwide proportion.
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Tracheostomy in intubated COVID-19 patients requires adjunctive safeguards.
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A step-by-step approach named CORONA is proposed in order to recall essential recommendations during the surgical procedure.
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The CORONA-method would allow a secure space in which health workers can guarantee their activity, safely.