Abstract
Aerosol-generating procedures – such as CPR, invasive ventilation (e.g. endotracheal intubation), and non-invasive ventilation (e.g. laryngeal mask airway ventilation) – pose an extra risk for transmitting the virus SARS-CoV-2. Inpatients with known or suspected COVID-19, the infection risk during prehospital care, emergency transport, and in-hospital airway management is poorly controlled. Medical professionals need effective strategies to intubate and ventilate patients while mitigating the spread of aerosolized particles. There are currently no ventilatory devices designed to prevent viral aerosol transmission. timely and appropriate management of COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is hindered by reluctance of emergency medical services (EMS) providers, paramedics, and physicians to initiate ventilatory support and early intubation. The AIR Seal (Aerosolization, Intubation, and Respiration Seal) is a patient-fitted mask with a novel dynamic seal, through which any endotracheal tube (ETT) and laryngoscope device can be inserted and sealed to block viral aerosol transmission. This protective seal is maintained over the patient’s airways during ETT placement, ventilation, and subsequent medical management in patients with known or suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The design enables medical professionals to properly intubate, optimize patient positioning, and secure the ETT for ventilation.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Date of Submission
1-8-2021
Recommended Citation
Lowe, Halle R. and Hartquist, Chase, "Aerosolization, Intubation, and Respiration (AIR) Seal" (2021). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 141.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/141