Innovative dual-function protective scope mask and filtration system for aerosol generating ENT scope procedures

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Infectious Disease Control
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) pose a significant risk for virus transmission, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19.
• Nasoendoscopy is an example of a high-risk AGP requiring effective mitigation strategies.
• Evaluating novel systems for reducing aerosol contamination is crucial for patient and healthcare worker safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of an innovative mask system in reducing aerosol contamination during AGPs.
• To compare aerosol particle emission rates with the prototype mask versus a standard surgical mask.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study was conducted with 15 healthy volunteers.
• Participants performed aerosol-generating activities, including breathing, speaking, singing, and coughing.
• Aerosol emissions were measured with and without the prototype mask system.

Main Results:

• The prototype mask significantly reduced the emission rate of small particles (0.3 μm) during breathing, speaking, and singing compared to no mask (p < .05).
• A similar trend was observed for larger particles during coughing, though it did not reach statistical significance.
• Increased frequency of smaller-sized particle emissions was noted across all expiratory activities.

Conclusions:

• The innovative mask system provides effective protection against aerosol transmission.
• Protection is achieved through a physical barrier, a negative pressure environment within the mask, and dual filtration.
• This system represents a promising advancement in mitigating aerosol risks during medical procedures.