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

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic creates a need to protect health care workers (HCWs) from patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures which may transmit the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Existing personal containment devices (PCDs) may protect HCWs from respiratory droplets but not from potentially dangerous respiratory-generated aerosols. We describe a new PCD and its aerosol containment capabilities. The device ships flat and folds into a chamber. With its torso drape and protective arm sleeves mounted, it provides contact, droplet, and aerosol isolation during intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Significantly improved ergonomics, single-use workflow, and ease of removal distinguish this device from previously published designs.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure.

The SLACC. A, Top: Assembled SLACC computer model, showing torso drape (brown) and arm sleeves (blue). Bottom: Intubation using the SLACC. B, Droplet testing with fluorescent dye during simulated laryngoscopy. Note forearm contamination with rigid PCD. C, Aerosol containment and clearance testing using smoke as a simulant. Top: Comparison of the SLACC used with no, low-flow, and high-flow suction. Images taken at 30 s intervals after 6 s of smoke production. Bottom: Simulated aerosol exposure during CPR. Images taken at 30 s intervals with continuous smoke production. CPR indicates cardiopulmonary resuscitation; PCD, personal containment device; SLACC, suction-assisted local aerosol containment chamber.