A preliminary assessment of a novel antiviral air filter for continuous end-tidal sampling of carbon dioxide for respiratory monitoring of sedated patients: a pilot study

Monitoring expired end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is crucial for sedated patients undergoing various procedures. However, a significant concern is the potential contamination of CO 2 sampling lines and gas analyzers when used on patients with respiratory tract infections. To address this, a novel antiviral filter was developed featuring an antimicrobial compound synthesized from cashew skin and husks. Our study aims to assess the device’s clinical feasibility for continuous end-tidal CO 2 monitoring. We conducted a preliminary assessment on 15 adult patients undergoing minor upper limb surgical procedures with local anesthesia, where continuous end-tidal CO 2 monitoring is essential. In all cases, the antiviral filter was positioned above the patient’s simple face mask and remained there throughout the entire procedure. The primary outcome was the incidence end-tidal CO 2 capnogram signal disruptions. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of any patient-reported adverse events during device utilization. The median [range] duration of end-tidal CO 2 monitoring using the antiviral filter was 25 [12–38] minutes. Independent observers found no disruptions in the continuous end-tidal CO 2 capnograms across all patients. Furthermore, no patients reported any discomfort or foul smell from the antiviral filter. This pilot feasibility study demonstrates the antiviral filter’s potential as an inexpensive, effective, and reliable device for end-tidal CO 2 monitoring in clinical setting. Our findings also advocate for its role in promoting sustainable healthcare practices.