Protective Shield with Suction for Spirometry Aerosol Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical practitioners are at risk of infection from pathogens like COVID-19 during procedures such as spirometry breathing tests, as existing methods fail to effectively contain and remove droplets and aerosols emitted from patients' airways, leading to exposure and costly infection control measures.
Innovation Solution
A device with a protective shield and integrated suction system that captures and removes droplets and aerosols from a patient's airways, featuring a movable and easily cleanable design, along with a CO2 sensor to indicate when the environment is safe for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PPE and disposable masks are used for infection control during spirometry, then the protection level for medical practitioners is improved, but the cost and time for infection control procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful aerosols and droplets from the testing environment using a suction system, separating the contamination source from the medical practitioner's space. This eliminates the need for extensive PPE and cleaning procedures while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the patient's airways and the medical practitioner. Combined with the suction system, it creates a controlled interface that allows testing while preventing pathogen transmission, reducing both PPE requirements and cleaning time.
2Reliability
If stationary PFT booths are used for spirometry testing, then the containment of aerosols is improved, but the preparation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the containment function into a portable shield that can be quickly positioned and configured, rather than requiring a full stationary booth. The shield creates a localized containment zone that is sufficient for the procedure, reducing setup time while maintaining aerosol containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield is designed to be mobile and adaptable rather than fixed and stationary. It can be quickly deployed, repositioned, and removed, allowing rapid preparation between patients while maintaining effective aerosol containment during the procedure.
3Reliability
If disposable N-95 masks are used for high-risk patients, then the infection protection is improved, but the cost and time for infection control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system actively extracts aerosols and droplets at the source, removing the need for expensive disposable N-95 masks. By continuously clearing the air of contaminants, the system provides equivalent or superior protection while eliminating the cost of disposable PPE.
4Ease of operation
If multi-use office spaces are used for portable spirometry, then the accessibility is improved, but the cleaning time and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system removes aerosols and droplets from the testing area in real-time, preventing contamination of the multi-use space. This eliminates the need for extensive cleaning between patients, allowing rapid turnover and maintaining accessibility of the space while reducing infection risk.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device significantly reduces the risk of infection for medical practitioners by effectively containing and removing aerosols, minimizing infection control costs and time, and ensuring a safer environment for both patients and staff.
Implementation Method 1
A suction device is in fluid communication with a space behind the protective shield. The suction device substantially removes the droplets and aerosols emitted from the patient's airways.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for containing droplets and aerosols emitted from a patient's airways is provided. The device comprises a protective shield for being placed at least in front of the patient. At least an access opening is disposed in the protective shield for enabling access therethrough to the patient. At least a cover is mounted to the protective shield such that each of the at least a cover is associated with a respective access opening. Each of the at least a cover is movable between a closed position and an open position. A suction device is in fluid communication with a space behind the protective shield. The suction device substantially removes the droplets and aerosols emitted from the patient's airways.