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

BACKGROUND: Aerosol‐generating procedures (AGPs), such as nasoendoscopy, are considered high‐risk during the COVID‐19 pandemic due to risk of virus aerosol transmission. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative system in reduction of aerosol contamination. METHODS: Pilot study involving 15 healthy volunteers performing aerosol‐generating activities with the prototype, compared with and without a standard surgical mask. RESULTS: We found an increased frequency of smaller‐sized particle emissions for all four expiratory activities. The particle emission rate with the prototype mask was significantly slower over time for the smallest sized particle (0.3 μm) during breathing, speaking and singing compared with similar activities without the mask (p < .05). We found similar trends for coughing for larger particles but that did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The innovation offers good protection against aerosol transmission through the physical barrier of the mask, the negative pressure environment within the mask, and the unit's dual filtration function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2b.