Computational modelling of an aerosol extraction device for use in COVID-19 surgical tracheotomy.

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on global health, understanding and accurately modelling the propagation of human biological aerosols has become crucial. Worldwide, health professionals have been one of the most affected demographics, representing approximately 20% of all cases in Spain, 10% in Italy and 4% in China and US. Methods to contain and remove potentially infected aerosols during Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) near source offer advantages in reducing the contamination of protective clothing and the surrounding theatre equipment and space.

Viral Infectivity in Patients Undergoing Tracheotomy With COVID-19: A Preliminary Study.

Objective: To establish the presence of live virus and its association with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity and antibody status in patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheotomy.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Single institution across 3 hospital sites during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessing Changes in Airflow and Energy Loss in a Progressive Tracheal Compression Before and After Surgical Correction.

The energy needed to drive airflow through the trachea normally constitutes a minor component of the work of breathing. However, with progressive tracheal compression, patient subjective symptoms can include severe breathing difficulties. Many patients suffer multiple respiratory co-morbidities and so it is important to assess compression effects when evaluating the need for surgery.

Autofluorescence in Parathyroidectomy: Signal Intensity Correlates with Serum Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone but Routine Clinical Use is Not Justified.

Background: The inability to identify the pathological gland at surgery results in failure to cure hyperparathyroidism in 2-5%. The poorly understood characteristic of parathyroid tissue to manifest autofluorescence (AF) under near-infrared (NIR) light has been promoted as an intraoperative adjunct in parathyroid surgery. This study sought to explore potential clinical correlates for AF and assess the clinical utility of AF in parathyroid surgery.

Quality of life in differentiated thyroid cancer.

Background: The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased significantly over the last ten years and conversely the mortality has decreased. With 85% of patients with thyroid cancer surviving for ten years or longer it is increasingly important to study the quality of life in these patients and identify which aspects of the patients' health and wellbeing could be improved.

Methods: During the first UK patient-doctor thyroid cancer forum, patient attendees filled in an anonymized questionnaire.

Novel surgical management of a laryngeal granular cell tumour.

Granular cell tumour (GCT) is a rare benign tumour occurring, most commonly, in the head and neck. Multiple tumours occur in 5-16% of patients. These tumours are chemo-radio-resistant and have high recurrence rates despite their benign histopathological features.