A Novel Negative Pressure Isolation Device for Aerosol Transmissible COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Infectious Disease Control
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the risk to healthcare workers (HCWs) from aerosol-generating procedures transmitting SARS-CoV-2.
• Existing personal containment devices (PCDs) offer limited protection against respiratory aerosols, a significant transmission route.
• A critical need exists for advanced personal protective equipment to safeguard HCWs during high-risk patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe a new personal containment device (PCD) designed for enhanced aerosol containment.
• To evaluate the protective capabilities of the novel PCD against respiratory droplets and aerosols.
• To assess the usability and workflow advantages of the new PCD for medical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel PCD that ships flat and folds into a protective chamber.
• Integration of a torso drape and protective arm sleeves for comprehensive isolation.
• Description of the device's application during aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation and CPR.

Main Results:

• The new PCD provides robust contact, droplet, and aerosol isolation.
• The device demonstrates significantly improved ergonomics compared to previous designs.
• Features include a single-use workflow and ease of removal, enhancing practical utility.

Conclusions:

• The described novel PCD offers superior protection for HCWs against airborne pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
• Its design addresses limitations of existing devices, particularly concerning aerosol containment.
• The device's usability features support efficient and safe clinical workflows during critical procedures.