Safe extubation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Respir Med. 2020 Aug-Sep:170:106038. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106038. Epub 2020 May 23.

Abstract

Extubation of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a high risk procedure for both patients and staff. Shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) and the high volume of contact staff have with COVID-19 patients has generated an interest in ways to reduce exposure that might be feasible especially during pandemic times and in resource limited healthcare settings. The development of portable barrier hood devices (or intubation/extubation boxes) is an area of interest for many clinicians due to the theoretical reduction in aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus for COVID-19. We present a review of the current literature along with recommendations concerning safe extubation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, a focused summary on the use of portable barrier hood devices, during the recent surge of COVID-19 is highlighted.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Extubation; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Airway Extubation* / adverse effects
  • Airway Extubation* / instrumentation
  • Airway Extubation* / methods
  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Health
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • Personal Protective Equipment / supply & distribution*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / prevention & control
  • Risk Management
  • SARS-CoV-2