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

Abstract

ObjectiveCreate an aerosol containment mask (ACM) for common otolaryngologic endoscopic procedures which also provides nanoparticle‐level protection to patients.Study DesignProspective feasibility study.SettingIn‐person testing with a novel ACM.MethodsThe mask was designed in Solidworks and 3‐dimensional printed. Measurements were made on 100 consecutive clinic patients who underwent medically necessarily endoscopy, 50 rigid nasal and 50 flexible, by 9 surgeons.ResultsOf the 50 patients who underwent rigid nasal endoscopy with the ACM, 0 of 25 patients with the suction off and 0 of 25 patients with the suction on had evidence of leakage of 0.3 μm particles. Of the 50 patients who underwent flexible endoscopy with the ACM, 0 of 25 patients with the suction off and 0 of 25 patients with the suction on had evidence of leakage of 0.3 μm particles. In terms of comfort, 73% of patients found the ACM somewhat or very comfortable without suction, compared to 86% with the suction on. Surgeons were able to visualize all necessary anatomic areas in 98% of procedures. In 97% of procedures, the masks were able to be placed easily.ConclusionACM can accommodate rigid nasal and flexible endoscopes and may prevent leakage of patient‐generated aerosols, thus avoiding contamination of the room and protecting health care workers from airborne contagions.Level of EvidenceThe level of evidence is 2.