Harish Dharmarajan, M.D.1, Carl H. Snyderman, M.D.1

1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Corresponding Author :
Harish Dharmarajan, M.D.
Department of Otolaryngology, UPMC
Eye & Ear Institute, Suite 500
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Email: dharmarajanh@upmc.edu. Phone: 3107365675.
Funding : There were no sources of funding for this project.
Prior Presentations : This project has not been presented or published in prior meetings.
Running Title : Tracheostomy time-out
Key Words : tracheostomy, COVID-19, time-out, safety, airway
Abstract
Tracheostomy procedures have a high risk of aerosol generation. Airway providers have reflected on ways to mitigate the SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks when approaching a surgical airway. To standardize institutional safety measures with tracheostomy, we advocate using a dedicated tracheostomy time-out applicable to all patients including those suspected of having COVID-19. The aim of the tracheostomy time-out is to reduce preventable errors that may increase the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2.