Laser plume containment during flexible transnasal laryngoscopy.

Objective: To evaluate a negative pressure microenvironment designed to contain laser plume during flexible transnasal laryngoscopy.

Methods: The Negative Pressure Face Shield (NPFS) was previously reported as well tolerated with initial use on 30 patients. Diagnostic transnasal laryngoscopy was performed on an additional 108 consecutive patients who were evaluated by questionnaires and sequential pulse oximetry.

Negative pressure face shield for flexible laryngoscopy in the COVID-19 era.

Objective: Introduce novel methods and materials to limit microdroplet spread when performing transnasal aerosol generating procedures in the COVID-19 era.

Methods: Prototypes of a negative pressure face shield (NPFS) were tested then used clinically to create a suction-clearing negative pressure microenvironment with controlled access to the nose and mouth. Air pressure measurements within prototypes were followed by prospective evaluation of 30 consecutive patients treated with the device assessed through questionnaires and monitoring oximetry.