RATIONALE:

COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions with a high mortality rate worldwide. There is need of protecting healthcare workers (HCWs) from SARS-CoV-2 while treating patients. We designed, developed and analysed effectiveness of a physical barrier called bronchoscopy safety box (BSB) to prevent COVID-19 transmission to HCFs while doing bronchoscopy procedures and endotracheal intubation.

METHOD:

Two prototypes of Bronchoscopy safety box (BSBs) viz., prototype 1 (figure 2a) and prototype 2 (figure 2b), was developed (made up of acrylic and PVC sheets). BSB include the additional presence of the bronchoscopy aperture and an assistant aperture. In prototype 1, each aperture has a PVC valve which opens and closes with entry and exit of the hands while instead of PVC valves, there are gloves attached at the Doctor’s and assistant aperture in Prototype 2 which minimizes risk of aerosol …