A Study Comparing the Aerosol Box and Mayo Containment setup During Intubation in COVID-negative Indian Patients as a Learning Curve

Abstract

Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious. The use of other barrier techniques, in addition to personal protective equipment (PPE), to limit aerosolization and protect against contamination may also be helpful. Design: This is a prospective, randomized, single-blind, comparative study to compare the efficacy of aerosol box with the Mayo trolley containment setup during intubation. Materials and Methods: The two setups were compared for ease and time taken for intubation, restriction of hand movement, difficulty in accessing equipment, difficulty in railroading of endotracheal tube (ETT) over a bougie, and general satisfaction of operator during intubation using the C-MAC video laryngoscope. The mean time taken for endotracheal intubation (ETI) was compared using the unpaired t-test, and the rest of the categorical variables were presented as proportions and percentages. Results: The mean time taken for ETI using the Mayo trolley was 42.6 seconds as compared to 54.5 seconds with an aerosol box. The operator was more satisfied with the Mayo trolley setup. Conclusion: The Mayo trolley containment setup is an inexpensive and readily available alternative to the aerosol box in any setting, with a lesser time taken to intubation and lesser restriction of hand movement, easy accessibility of equipment, and easy railroading of ETT over a bougie.

Keywords

• aerosol box
• covid-19
• intubation
• mayo containment trolley