COVID‐19 in the Clinic: Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Otolaryngologic Clinic Procedures

Abstract

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.

Diagnostic and surgical innovations in otolaryngology for adult and paediatric patients during the COVID-19 era

“…Another 3D-printed mask was tested – first on mannequins and then on human volunteers – by Ference et al 26 , 27 ( Fig. 4 ).…”

COVID‐19 in the Clinic: Human Testing of an Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Clinic Procedures

“…This evidence, along with the evidence acquired in the validation measurements on mannequins in which no leak was measured when suction was used even when a grommet was removed, lead us to conclude that these events are most likely due to changes in the ambient room particle count rather than a slow leak. 7 A much larger study currently in progress on patients undergoing endoscopy procedures will further test the ability of the mask to contain aerosols.…”

“…Initial prototypes were tested by the authors on endoscopic surgery model heads to gauge access to the nasal cavity and the ability to contain aerosols, and these experiments were reported in a separate article. 7 …”

“…The mask was designed by the authors and created using Solidworks (Dassault Systemes, Paris, France) and printed using a 3D printer (Ultimaker, Utrecht, The Netherlands) using tough polylactic acid. Initial prototypes were tested by the authors on endoscopic surgery model heads to gauge access to the nasal cavity and the ability to contain aerosols, and these experiments were reported in a separate article 7 …”

“…Initial prototypes were tested by the authors on endoscopic surgery model heads to gauge access to the nasal cavity and the ability to contain aerosols, and these experiments were reported in a separate article. 7 The final design included a 3D-printed body with 4 ports, a gel cushion for seal and comfort of fit, and custom blind grommets placed in 2 front ports plus a head strap (Figure 1). Each of the blind grommets contains 2 openings, through which an endoscope or suction can be passed.…”