CSS Using Aerosol Block During COVID-19

CSS Using Aerosol Block During COVID-19
CSS Using Aerosol Block During COVID-19

Center for Specialty Surgery and Orthopedic + Fracture Specialists are constantly looking for ways to serve and protect our patients and staff. Like many other health care providers, Dr. Richard Southgate, a total joint replacement surgeon at Orthopedic + Fracture Specialists, has been reading about what can be done to help stop the spread of the virus in both the non-surgical and surgical setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. During intubation, the process of inserting a breathing tube into the airway in order to assist with breathing during anesthesia or sedation, health care workers are at a high risk of being exposed to droplets of contaminated air particles from patients whose COVID status is unknown. In his research, Dr. Southgate came across a video from Boston Medical Center (Click here for video) showing how something as simple as a clear acrylic box, referred to as “Aerosol Block,” can help protect health care providers who are working to intubate surgical patients. The video also included a link to the dimensions of the box which was initially conceived in Taiwan. Dr. Southgate was able to reach out to Flair Plastic Productions, a local plastics manufacturer, who was able to produce the box. After small design modifications, these boxes have been produced for Center for Special Surgery, as we are currently open to performing surgery on urgent cases (fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, herniated discs). The use of these acrylic boxes will help protect our anesthesia and nurse colleagues while caring for your loved ones.

 

 

For another study, check out this New England Journal of Medicine Article.

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