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.

Pericardial closure with extracellular matrix scaffold following cardiac surgery associated with a reduction of postoperative complications and 30-day hospital readmissions.

Background: A prospective, multi-center study (RECON) was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes of pericardial closure using a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) graft derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa.

Methods: Patients indicated for open cardiac surgery with pericardial closure using ECM were eligible for the RECON study cohort. Postoperative complications and readmission of the RECON patients were compared to the patient cohort in the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD).