Aerosol Particle Concentrations Among Different Oxygen Devices for Spontaneous Breathing Patients With Tracheostomy

Aerosol Particle Concentrations Among Different Oxygen Devices for Spontaneous Breathing Patients With Tracheostomy: a Randomized Cross-over Trial

For spontaneous breathing patients with tracheostomy, whose lower airway is directly opened to the room air, the aerosol particles generated by the patients would be directly dispersed into the room air, which might be an direct resource of virus transmission. However, the transmission risk has not been evaluated and the appropriate humidification therapy is unknown. Thus this study is aimed to investigate the aerosol particle concentrations among different oxygen devices for spontaneous breathing patients with tracheostomy, in order to reflect the transmission risk.

The transmission route of the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains controversial, and concerns persist of potentially increased virus transmission when utilizing high-flow devices and aerosol devices among COVID-19 patients. For spontaneous breathing patients with tracheostomy, whose lower airway is directly opened to the room air, the aerosol particles generated by the patients would be directly dispersed into the room air, which might be an direct resource of virus transmission. However, the transmission risk of tracheostomy during spontaneous breathing has not been evaluated and the appropriate humidification therapy is unknown. Thus this study is aimed to investigate the aerosol particle concentrations among different oxygen devices for spontaneous breathing patients with tracheostomy, in order to reflect the transmission risk.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adults;
• tracheostomy;
• able to spontaneous breathing without ventilator support

Exclusion Criteria:

• confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 within recent two weeks;
• non-English speaking;
• refuse to participate in the study;
• palliative care;
• receiving ECMO;
• unable to connect with tracheostomy adapter, such as laryngectomy tube