In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicholas Markin, MD, director of perioperative imaging, created a procedure for transeshopageal echocardiography (TEE) utilizing existing protective equipment that limits contact between the probe operator and patient.
"This is exceptionally innovative thinking by Dr. Markin to protect anesthesia providers and everyone in the room," said Chairman Steven J. Lisco, MD.
In TEE, a long ultrasound probe is passed into the esophagus of a sedated patient to provide images used to assess structure and function of the heart. Dr. Markin’s innovative procedure uses minimal, on-hand protective equipment that allows the probe operator to perform TEE as usual, but not come into direct contact with patient fluids that could transmit the SARS-CoV-2 particles that can cause the COVID-19 disease, or other dangerous pathogens.
"It’s important to protect our colleagues on the front lines by minimizing risk wherever possible," said Dr. Markin. "With these simple interventions, we reduce the risk of cross contamination of an anesthesiologist’s workspace without sacrificing patient care and safety."
The procedure utilizes a plastic sheath that covers the probe and a bite guard. View Dr. Markin’s demonstrational video here.
Additionally, an article about the technique was published in the American Society of Anesthesiologists journal, "Anesthesiology."