Preventing infectious aerosol exposure using a simple inexpensive plastic enclosure

What is it about?

A plastic enclosure to contain expelled aerosol particles that can be placed over a patient during intubation and extubation procedures was developed and tested. Using two layers of plastic coverings over the necessary holes in the sides of the enclosure prevented aerosol particles from escaping out of the enclosure. Active ventilation and filtration of the enclosure reduced the time that it must remain on the patient following extubation. Cutting hand holes in the bottom plastic layer so that medical personnel can reach into the enclosure during extubation procedures did not increase the fraction of aerosol escaping.

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Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Patients such severe respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza are often placed on an intubator to help them breath. Removing the intubation tube often produces uncontrolled coughing from the infectious patient, exposing medical workers to infectious aerosol that increases transmission risk. This simple plastic enclosure with two layers of plastic coverings can be used during extubation procedures to contain the aerosol produced by exhalation and coughing to reduce the exposure risk. Hospital staff found the device was easy to use and work with during extubation procedures. This same inexpensive device could be used to help contain other infectious or otherwise hazardous aerosol where hand access into the enclosure is still necessary.