SBIR Phase I: Endoscopic Patient Mask to Limit Aerosolization During Endoscopic Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic

这一小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是帮助管理COVID-19在医院的传播，使用新型患者面罩限制SARS-CoV-2病毒在内窥镜手术期间的传播。 所有的内镜检查都被认为是气溶胶产生的过程，因为在上消化道内镜检查过程中可能会出现咳嗽和干呕，在结肠镜检查过程中可能会有肠胃气通过。所提出的患者内窥镜面罩限制微滴和气溶胶从患者扩散。本项目拟开发一种一次性使用的内窥镜面罩，该面罩具有用于将内窥镜引入胃肠道的口部开口。所提出的解决方案将允许大多数类型的内窥镜、探针和管通过面罩插入并进入口或鼻，同时在面罩和内窥镜之间提供密封以限制手术期间的泄漏。此外，它还将减少内窥镜检查室空气循环所需的术后等待时间，以清除气溶胶，从而确保患者和胃肠道保健人员的安全。该解决方案将有助于管理任何空气传播的感染。 该小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将开发一种新型技术，该技术可以在面罩开口和内窥镜之间进行密封，同时允许内窥镜在胃肠道内推进。密封面罩的挑战来自内窥镜，当内窥镜插入患者口中时，内窥镜必须具有显著的运动自由度。拟议的面罩将有一个抽吸通道，以清除气道分泌物，并清除内窥镜手术期间产生的气溶胶和微滴。如果成功的话，这种密封技术可以用于其他气溶胶产生的临床应用，例如减少腹腔镜手术过程中雾化血滴的扩散。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to help manage COVID-19 transmission in hospitals with a novel patient face mask to limit transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus during endoscopic procedures. All endoscopic procedures are considered aerosol-generating procedures because of the possibility of coughing and retching during upper endoscopy, and the passage of flatus during colonoscopy. The proposed patient endoscopic mask limit the spread of microdroplet and aerosols from the patient. This project proposes to develop an endoscopy mask which will be disposable, single use, with an oral opening for the introduction of an endoscope to the gastrointestinal tract. The proposed solution will allow most type of endoscopes, probes, and tubes to be inserted through the mask and enter the mouth or nose, while providing a seal between the mask and scope to limit leakage during the procedure. In addition, it will reduce the post-procedure wait time needed for air circulation in the endoscopy room to remove aerosols for the safety of patients and gastrointestinal health care givers. The solution will be useful for managing transmissions of any airborne infections. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel technology that seals between the mask opening and an endoscope, while allowing the endoscope's advancement inside the gastrointestinal tract. The challenge with sealing the mask comes from the scope, which must have significant freedom of motion when it is inserted into the mouth of a patient. The proposed mask will have an access for suction to clear airway secretions and to remove aerosol and micro-droplets generated during endoscopic procedures. If successful, this seal technology can be utilized in other aerosol-generating clinical applications, such as reducing spread of aerosolized droplets of blood in laparoscopic surgery procedure.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.