A Randomized Controlled Trial to Test a Novel Negative Pressure Isolation Device During Aerosol Generating Procedures in the Operating Room

The novel isolation device is called SLACC (Suction-assisted Local Aerosol Containment Chamber). SLACC has the ability to isolate the atmosphere around the patient's upper airway (nose, mouth, throat) via negative pressure in a manner analogous to isolation rooms used to house patients with communicable diseases spread by aerosol (e.g. tuberculosis). The SLACC uses an external suction source to maintain a negative pressure micro-atmosphere around a patient's head (the source of infectious aerosols). The components of SLACC include a clear polymer frame, a flexible drape, and integrated sealed arm sleeves to protect the hands and forearms of the health care provider. The structure is flexible during use, transparent, can be rapidly assembled, and easily collapsible for removal and transport. Once deployed with the patient's head inside the chamber, the drape is secured across the open side of the chamber with adhesive and covers the patient's torso.