Minimising exposure to droplet and aerosolised pathogens: a computational fluid dynamics study

Area of Science:

• Medical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) pose risks of pathogen transmission via droplets and aerosols.
• Healthcare worker exposure to hazardous pathogens during AGP necessitates protective adjuncts.
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling can optimize protective shield performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the design of a custom-developed shield for minimizing healthcare worker exposure to hazardous pathogens during AGP.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the shield in capturing airborne particles using CFD modeling.

Main Methods:

• Airflow patterns and particle trajectories (1-500 μm) during a simulated cough were modeled using CFD (ANSYS Fluent).
• Particle escape from the shield was assessed under various conditions, including different shield designs, suction tube positions, and suction flow rates.
• The impact of shield modifications and suction parameters on particle containment was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The custom shield prevented the escape of 99.1-100% of airborne particles.
• Particles were primarily contained by shield walls (16-21%) or removed via suction (79-82%).
• Optimal particle removal occurred with a vertically placed suction catheter; shield openings reduced efficiency.

Conclusions:

• CFD modeling is crucial for optimizing custom shield designs to efficiently remove hazardous pathogens during AGP.
• The developed shield demonstrates high efficacy in containing airborne particles, potentially enhancing safety for healthcare workers.
• Further validation through clinical trials is recommended before widespread implementation.