Desarrollo de una máscara de bajo costo para prevenir la propagación de aerosoles en endoscopia endonasal en la base del cráneo durante la pandemia del COVID-19 Desarrollo de una máscara de bajo costo para prevenir la propagación de aerosoles en endoscopia endonasal en la base del cráneo durante la pandemia del COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: to develop a reusable, sterilizable, easy- to-use and low-price mask to reduce the risks of COVID-19 transmission during endonasal endoscopic procedures. Methods: a model designed using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Meshier software, made from polylactic acid (PLA) in a 3D printer (PRUSA IK3 MK3s, Prague, Czech Republic) at the anatomy laboratory of Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia. It features three ports, one to allow passage of intubation tubing, a larger middle port for surgical tool insertion, which allows fitting a sterile translucent membrane, and an upper port for the suction tube tip to create a negative pressure environment inside the mask. A silicone cushion and three ties secure the mask to the head for long periods of time without skin injuries. Various tests were completed, ultraviolet light verification of fluorescein propagation after bone drilling, chemical and vapor sterilization, and aerosols filtration using smoke produced by an electronic cigarette. Setting: an experimental laboratory. Results: Tests showed the mask decreased aerosol effect and droplet dispersion, and allowed for excellent maneuverability and freedom. However, the mask was limited in terms of visualization during nasal approaches to the skull. Conclusions: preliminary results show that this ventilated mask allows for a surgical barrier for reducing SARS-COV-2 transmission during endonasal endoscopic procedures.