Open AccessCOVID‐19 in the Clinic: Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Otolaryngologic Clinic Procedures
Author(s) -
Ference Elisabeth H.,
Kim Wihan,
Oghalai John S.,
Kim JeeHong,
Applegate Brian E.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/01945998211024944
Subject(s) - nebulizer , aerosol , hepa , cleanroom , suction , cartridge , covid-19 , human decontamination , environmental science , leakage (economics) , medicine , materials science , waste management , engineering , nanotechnology , filter (signal processing) , anesthesia , electrical engineering , physics , mechanical engineering , meteorology , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , macroeconomics
Objective To create an aerosol containment mask (ACM) that contains aerosols during common otolaryngologic endoscopic procedures while protecting patients from environmental aerosols. Study Design Bench testing. Setting Mannequin testing. Methods The mask was designed in SolidWorks and 3‐dimensional printed. Mannequins were fitted with a nebulizer to generate aerosols. Commercial particle counters were used to measure mask performance. Results The ACM has 2 ports on either side for instruments and endoscopes, a port for a filter, and a port that can evacuate aerosols contained within the mask via a standard suction pump. The mask contained aerosols on a mannequin with and without facial hair when the suction was set to 18.5 L/min. Other types of masks demonstrated substantial aerosol leakage under similar conditions. In a subsequent experiment, the ACM contained aerosols generated by a nebulizer up to the saturation of the particle detector without measurable leakage with or without suction. Conclusion The ACM will accommodate rigid and flexible endoscopes plus instruments and prevent leakage of patient‐generated aerosols, thus avoiding contamination of the room and protecting health care workers from airborne contagions. Level of evidence 2.