1 e 2 - Anestesiologia, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Centro Anestesiologia,Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa;
- Publicação por extenso em Revista com revisão por pares. https://www.anesthesiologynews.com/Airway-Management/Article/09-21/An-Innovation-for-Airway-Management-in-the-COVID-19-Era/64612
Resumo: COVID-19 is highly contagious when contact occurs with infected secretions such as saliva, respiratory secretions, respiratory droplets and especially airborne particles. It is mandatory to mitigate the risks for infection, particularly during tracheal intubation, ventilator disconnections and extubation, which are highlighted in the current guidelines through the need to clamp the endotracheal tube (ETT). Clamping of the ETT is usually achieved with metal clamps that increase weight and reduce mobility of the ETT (mainly in small-sized tubes). This method can make it difficult to visualize the larynx and add the need for a second operator. Clamping can also be achieved by adapting medical devices created for other purposes, increasing the risk for inefficient sealing or incompatibility with all ETT sizes. To address those concerns, the need to create a specific device for clamping the ETT during the pandemic was identified and a clamp device with characteristics that could overcome the difficulties described previously was developed.
TT Clamp Innovation This clamp limit the spread of aerosols during intubation, fits all ETT sizes and it is made of a plastic suitable for contact with the skin and mucous membranes. This material is also resilient to disinfection with alcohol, hypochlorite or sterilization with high temperatures. Several advantages come from using this new device. It is safe and simple to use and lightweight, facilitating ETT mobility and adaptability to all scenarios of airway management, in the hospital and prehospital context. The clamp also has a low production cost, and it can be used by a single operator. It also does not require prior training for effective use. Currently, the clamps are being produced and distributed by several hospitals in Portugal, free of charge, and could be used anywhere in the world.
Conclusion Innovation and improvisation have been essential since the beginning of the pandemic, as the scientific and civil communities join efforts to combat this virus by managing resources to respond to this new challenge. This collaboration between health professionals and a company demonstrates the importance of creativity in medicine and how the ability to innovate is intrinsically linked to our medical specialty.
Palavras Chave: COVID-19, Innovation Medicine; Airway Clamp