Negative pressure face shield for flexible laryngoscopy in the COVID-19 era

Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology

article

Henry T. Hoffman¹  Robert M. Miller²  Jarrett E. Walsh¹  Helen R. Stegall¹  Daniel J. Diekema³ 

[1] Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics;Engineering Services, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics;Department of Internal Medicine—Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

关键词: COVID-19;    diagnostic flexible;    laryngoscopy;    laryngoscopyaerosol generating procedure;   

DOI  :  10.1002/lio2.437

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Objective: Introduce novel methods and materials to limit microdroplet spread when performing transnasal aerosol generating procedures in the COVID-19 era. Methods: Prototypes of a negative pressure face shield (NPFS) were tested then used clinically to create a suction-clearing negative pressure microenvironment with controlled access to the nose and mouth. Air pressure measurements within prototypes were followed by prospective evaluation of 30 consecutive patients treated with the device assessed through questionnaires and monitoring oximetry. Results: The NPFS is a transparent acrylic barrier with two anterior instrumentation ports and a side port to which continuous suction is applied. It is positioned on a stand and employs a disposable antimicrobial wrap to secure an enclosure around the head. This assembly was successfully used to complete transnasal laryngoscopy in all 30 patients studied. Tolerance of the design was excellent, with postprocedure questionnaire identifying no shortness of breath (27/30), no claustrophobia (27/30), no pain (29/30), and no significant changes in pulse oximetry. Conclusion: Diagnostic laryngoscopy was successfully performed in a negative pressure microenvironment created to limit dispersion of aerosols. Further application of the NPFS device is targeted for use with transnasal laryngeal laser and biopsy procedures to be followed by additional modification to enable intranasal and intraoral procedures in a similar protected environment.

【 授权许可】

CC BY|CC BY-NC-ND