This site was created to publish open source data in real time about the current safety and feasibility of sinus procedures. Our purpose was to create transparent data reporting for the ENT and PATIENT community in order to take a more scientific, data driven approach to delivering sinus care in these uncertain times. We believe this data is critical for policy decisions now and in the future should there be a spike in COVID-19 disease in any region of the country.
From time to time questions are submitted by email or through our contact page and may be published here.
From time to time questions are submitted by email or through our contact page and may be published here.
QUESTIONS
Question:
Submitted June 28, 2020
Procedures Submitted at the time of posting: 707
Question/Comment:
"Thanks again for creating this organization. Is there any data on polyp removal? I ask because someone published on Docmatter yesterday the suggestion that polyps should now be managed solely with Dupixent because of their risk as an AGP [aerosol generating procedure]. Would be nice to have supportive data."
Answer:
"So far there have only been 9 cases submitted involving polypectomy. Ethmoid Shaver is at 72 which should be very similar. I need more cases reported to get something written for guidance.
Was there a lot of discussion on Docmatter on it? If so please drop the sinusoutcomes.org site info into the discussion to see if we can get more submissions. Unfortunately, Jim and I can't get a national email list of ENT's put together for an awareness campaign.
If you have any further thoughts, questions or suggestions please let me know.
Have a great day!"
- Brad Bichey MD MPH
Procedures Submitted at the time of posting: 707
Question/Comment:
"Thanks again for creating this organization. Is there any data on polyp removal? I ask because someone published on Docmatter yesterday the suggestion that polyps should now be managed solely with Dupixent because of their risk as an AGP [aerosol generating procedure]. Would be nice to have supportive data."
Answer:
"So far there have only been 9 cases submitted involving polypectomy. Ethmoid Shaver is at 72 which should be very similar. I need more cases reported to get something written for guidance.
Was there a lot of discussion on Docmatter on it? If so please drop the sinusoutcomes.org site info into the discussion to see if we can get more submissions. Unfortunately, Jim and I can't get a national email list of ENT's put together for an awareness campaign.
If you have any further thoughts, questions or suggestions please let me know.
Have a great day!"
- Brad Bichey MD MPH
Question:
Submitted July 4, 2020
Procedures Submitted at the time of posting: 1033
Question/Comment:
"I accidentally submitted data that was in error. Sorry! What can I do about that since I can't seem to find a way to go back on a from after it is submitted?"
Answer:
"That is really no problem. Just notify me through the email you were given when you signed up to participate in the registry and we will get everything corrected quickly.
Have a great day and thank you for submitting data!"
- Brad Bichey MD MPH
Procedures Submitted at the time of posting: 1033
Question/Comment:
"I accidentally submitted data that was in error. Sorry! What can I do about that since I can't seem to find a way to go back on a from after it is submitted?"
Answer:
"That is really no problem. Just notify me through the email you were given when you signed up to participate in the registry and we will get everything corrected quickly.
Have a great day and thank you for submitting data!"
- Brad Bichey MD MPH
Question:
Submitted July 6, 2020
Procedures Submitted at the time of posting: 1050
Question/Comment:
"Can you elaborate on the instruments used with the procedures being studied... i.e. microdebrider/cautery/coblation and brands of equipment if possible - especially for Ethmoid cases and Turbinate Coblation?"
Answer:
"At this time we do not collect device specific data. We are assuming that all microdebriders, RF ablation devices, cautery wands etc. carry about the same level of risk within a given category of procedure. Based on the current data reported, even though there is basic science research showing different levels of aerosol generation with different brands of devices, this has not translated into any notable change in disease transmission risk for any given procedure.
To put it another way, unless the data in the future indicates otherwise, all Ethmoid Shaver cases or Turbinate Coblation cases carry risks associated with the procedure that likely do not change based on the brand of equipment used for these procedures. At this time the data indicates that the risk with these procedures is very low.
There are always compromises that need to be made when collecting population data and it increases the time and complexity of data submission by asking for device specific information up front. Because there are hundreds of different medical devices in use in our specialty it would also make data analysis and presentation even more difficult.
That being said, we do have a plan if needed to identify certain brands of equipment that may end up transmitting disease more often than other devices. When there is a sentinel event of disease transmission reported, we create reports around that event and report these on the site without identifying the physician. As part of that report we may see a trend with certain device categories or certain brands within the category and that will be reported transparently.
Have a great day and thank you for submitting data to the registry!"
- Brad Bichey MD MPH
Procedures Submitted at the time of posting: 1050
Question/Comment:
"Can you elaborate on the instruments used with the procedures being studied... i.e. microdebrider/cautery/coblation and brands of equipment if possible - especially for Ethmoid cases and Turbinate Coblation?"
Answer:
"At this time we do not collect device specific data. We are assuming that all microdebriders, RF ablation devices, cautery wands etc. carry about the same level of risk within a given category of procedure. Based on the current data reported, even though there is basic science research showing different levels of aerosol generation with different brands of devices, this has not translated into any notable change in disease transmission risk for any given procedure.
To put it another way, unless the data in the future indicates otherwise, all Ethmoid Shaver cases or Turbinate Coblation cases carry risks associated with the procedure that likely do not change based on the brand of equipment used for these procedures. At this time the data indicates that the risk with these procedures is very low.
There are always compromises that need to be made when collecting population data and it increases the time and complexity of data submission by asking for device specific information up front. Because there are hundreds of different medical devices in use in our specialty it would also make data analysis and presentation even more difficult.
That being said, we do have a plan if needed to identify certain brands of equipment that may end up transmitting disease more often than other devices. When there is a sentinel event of disease transmission reported, we create reports around that event and report these on the site without identifying the physician. As part of that report we may see a trend with certain device categories or certain brands within the category and that will be reported transparently.
Have a great day and thank you for submitting data to the registry!"
- Brad Bichey MD MPH
This Registry is independently hosted, managed, and funded by Brad Bichey MD and James Atkins MD