Protecting Healthcare Workers from Exhaled Air of Patients Undergoing Hair Transplant during COVID-19

Abstract

In spite of proper history taking and examination, as well as conducting different types of laboratory tests including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) lung scans, the pre-surgical diagnosis of COVID-19 may be missed. Asymptomatic patients with the potential to unknowingly transmit infection could cause a disastrous situation for the entire surgical team. A planned operative procedure such as hair transplant surgery involves prolonged operative hours and proximity of operating team to the patient, increasing the chance for contracting the infection. In absence of total protection for health care workers from potentially contaminated air exhaled by the patient, the authors have innovated a device/technique that may help further protect staff during the prolonged surgical hours.