Preliminary findings of performing aerosol generating procedures using a novel innovative mask in times of COVID-19 pandemic

This article describes an innovative mask consisting of a newly fabricated 3-ply surgical face mask with a custom made attachment consisting of a plastic dome and a oneway valve port that allows endoscopes to be inserted through it. The mask was tested in-vitro with simulated sneezing using fluorescent dyes and also received positive feedbacks from field tests of 30 masks on real users in different hospitals. This innovative mask is useful in providing extra barrier for endoscopic procedures in ENT and can be used beyond this pandemic in patients with other infectious diseases.