High Volume Evacuator (HVE) in reducing aerosol- an exploration worth by clinicians

Abstract

Dentists and dental hygienists deploying air-turbine hand pieces during cavity cutting, ultrasonic scalers and high-speed hand pieces get themselves exposed to airborne contaminants like aerosols and splatter. Mucosal and nasal inhalation makes them susceptible to tuberculosis, hepatitis B & HIV because of established contact with respiratory secretions, saliva and blood splatter. Infection control practices have been advocated to prevent and minimize the exposure to aerosols through use of rubber dams, saliva ejectors, and pre-procedural rinse with 0.2% chlorhexidine before ultrasonic scaling. Universal precautions already in practice in dental establishments using gloves, protective eyewear with solid-side shields, face masks/chin-length plastic face shields, protective clothing (Aprons, Gowns, Clinic Jackets, Lab coats and Uniforms are helpful in containment of aerosols. High Volume Evacuator devices have been found to be efficient in substantive reduction of aerosols and should be exercised in routine dental procedures

Can extraoral suction units minimize droplet spatter during a simulated dental procedure?

“…15 In pre-COVID-19 dental practice, attempts were made to minimize aerosol and droplet escape from the oral cavity using intraoral suction with low and high vacuum, tooth isolation with a rubber dam, use of mouth props with attached suction, and saliva drying agents, but respirable aerosols and droplet spatter were still dispersed with these methods in place. 10 , 16 , 17 In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, dental providers are now searching for additional approaches to mitigate inhalable aerosol and spatter emission and limit procedural risks and oral health care professional exposure. 18 Some methods of risk mitigation include the use of extraoral suction units (ESUs), negative pressure operatories, increased physical barriers, and augmentation of PPE.…”

Reducing the Risk of COVID‐19 Transmission in Dental Offices: A Review

“…Infected droplets suspend in the air for hours 20,61,81,82 so attention to ventilation is essential. The use of declared guides is very effective in controlling droplets but cannot remove the contaminated particles completely.…”

“…The use of declared guides is very effective in controlling droplets but cannot remove the contaminated particles completely. 61 Research carried out by Zemouri in 2017 35 shows that there can be 38 different types of microorganisms dispersed in the air in dental clinics. Although these articles have not investigated the Corona family of viruses specifically, it has been proven that SARS-CoV and COVID-19 viruses are present in the saliva of infected individuals 28,30,32 and therefore attention to proper ventilation during and after treatment is very important.…”

Occupational risk factors and preventive measures for COVID-19 in prosthodontics

“…A high-volume evacuator (HVE) is a suction device that pulls a large amount of air over some time and is mounted into an evacuation system that is said to expel up to 100 cubic feet of air per minute. HVE can reduce aerosols, but clinicians should consider certain technical requirements when using HVE [23].…”