COVID-19 in the Clinic: Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Otolaryngologic Clinic Procedures. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ference, Elisabeth H.; Kim, Wihan; Oghalai, John S.; Kim, Jee-Hong; Applegate, Brian E.
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 166:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 850
• Page End: 857
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: negative pressure mask -- endoscopy -- laryngoscopy -- nasal endoscopy -- aerosol production -- COVID-19; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/01945998211024944
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

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.