The C-Cube: an endoscopic solution in the time of COVID-19.

During the COVID19 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) has been widely used by clinicians and nurses, with a progressive lack of storage and recurring need for supplies.

Considering the high number of asymptomatic patients, and the not-uncommon need for endoscopic procedures for COVID-19-infected patients 1 , it would be prudent to reduce as much as possible the exposure of healthcare workers who operate at short physical distance from patients, especially in hospitals with a high density of COVID-19 cases. Although stratification of preoperative patients and proper training for the entire endoscopy staff are mandatory 2 , clinicians have been forced to improvise and invent novel protective barriers in order to reduce aerosol spread during high-risk procedures, such as tracheal intubation, bronchoscopy or gastrointestinal endoscopy, which require level 3 personal protection 3 .

Here we present our endoscopic COVID Cube called the “C-Cube,” which has been specifically designed with multiple entryways for direct management of the head-neck area, and mechanically protects clinicians who have direct contact with the oral cavity during invasive procedures ( Fig. 1 ). The barrier is a mobile transparent protective box, which is composed of inexpensive and easy-to-find materials (Plexiglas) and is completely washable. The box has two elliptical ports in the posterior wall for the anesthesiologist’s hands, and one port for endoscopic access on the right side ( Fig. 2 ). In addition, the openings are covered by a single-use plastic layer with a central longitudinal linear cut that allows physical access of the operator’s hands or instruments (endoscope, laryngoscope, endotracheal tube), further reducing any possible leakage of contaminated air.

Fig. 1

 Illustration of the correct application of the “C-Cube” in the operative endoscopy room. The shield covers the head of the patient and generates an “aerosol isolated box” thanks to the direct airflow suction through the exit aspiration channel. Source: Federico Amata.

Fig. 2

 The structural characteristics of the “C-Cube”. a General three-dimensional overview (asterisk: exit aspiration channel). b The posterior wall. There is also a small aperture on the bottom of the left side for the passage of monitoring cables or peripheral lines.

Other interesting homemade solutions have been described for either endoscopic 4 or anesthesiologic purposes 5 , but a single system with practical access for both anesthesiologist and endoscopist is preferable in our opinion. We have already tested the C-Cube for interventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography under general anesthesia, with considerable efficacy ( Video 1 ).

Video 1  Our personal experience of endoscopic procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic: technical demonstration using the “C-Cube” endoscopic box.

Although this novel system lacks scientific validation, the barrier might provide enhanced protection for all healthcare workers in the endoscopy room when combined with appropriate PPE. In addition, the “C-Cube” may guarantee acceptable comfort during therapeutic procedures, with low additional costs and easy reproducibility.

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