Aerosol containment mask and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of an aerosol containment mask and methods of use thereof. An aerosol containment mask is described that minimizes aerosol release during insertion or removal of an airway management device or gastric tube. Methods of insertion and removal of an airway management device or gastric tube are also described wherein the aerosol containment mask is employed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An aerosol containment mask configured to contain aerosols released from a subject during insertion or removal of an airway management device or gastric tube, the mask comprising:
 a mask frame sized to fit over a face of the subject,   a central valve formed within a mask frame, the central valve configured to reversibly receive a portion of the airway management device or gastric tube; and   a cushion affixed to a contact surface of the mask frame, the cushion configured to seal against the face of the subject when the aerosol containment mask is secured to the face of the subject.   
     
     
         2 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the airway management device is selected from an endotracheal tube, a laryngeal mask, an oropharyngeal airway, and a nasopharyngeal airway. 
     
     
         3 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the gastric tube is selected from a nasogastric tube or an orogastric tube. 
     
     
         4 . The mask of  claim 1  wherein the central valve is a rotary seal configured to seal around the airway management device or the gastric tube. 
     
     
         5 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the mask further comprises at least one port to supply oxygen to the subject or vent exhaled air from the subject. 
     
     
         6 . The mask of  claim 5 , wherein at least one port comprises a sensor to monitor gas levels. 
     
     
         7 . The mask of  claim 6 , wherein the sensor monitors gas levels comprising oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The mask of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two mounts affixed around a perimeter of the mask frame, wherein the mounts are configured to provide an attachment point for at least one strap to the mask. 
     
     
         9 . The mask of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one strap is configured to secure the mask to the subject's face. 
     
     
         10 . The mask of  claim 9 , wherein the dimensions of the mask frame are custom-designed to fit the subject's face. 
     
     
         11 . The mask of  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge and latch system comprising a hinge, a first latch component, and a second latch component, wherein:
 a. the mask frame further comprises the first and second frame portions attached at adjoining ends by the hinge;   b. the first and second frame portions end in the first and second latch components, respectively; and   c. the first and second latch components are configured to mechanically link and unlink to reversibly separate the first and second frame portions between an opened and closed configuration.   
     
     
         12 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge and latch system is configured to facilitate opening and reclosing the mask without disturbing the airway management device or gastric tube positioned in the trachea or esophagus of the subject. 
     
     
         13 . A method of inserting an airway management device into a trachea of a subject, the method comprising:
 placing an aerosol containment mask of  any previous claim  over the subject's nose and mouth, the mask comprising:
 a mask frame sized to fit over the face of the subject; 
 a central valve formed within a mask frame, the central valve configured to reversibly receive a portion of the airway management device or gastric tube; 
 at least two mounts attached around a perimeter of the mask; 
 at least two straps anchored to the at least two mounts; and 
 a cushion affixed to a contact surface of the mask frame, the cushion configured to seal against the face of the subject when the aerosol containment mask is secured to the face of the subject; 
   securing and sealing the mask to the subject's face with straps anchored to the mounts; and   inserting the airway management device through the central valve and into the trachea of the subject, wherein the central valve maintains a seal around the airway management device.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the central valve is a rotary seal configured to seal around the airway management device.