• Timothy C Blood, Jonathan N Perkins, Paul R Wistermayer, Joseph S Krivda, Nathan T Fisher, Charles A Riley, Douglas S Ruhl, and Steven S Hong.
• Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
• Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Jan 1; 164 (1): 74-81.

ObjectiveDuring the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), health care workers are innovating patient care and safety measures. Unfortunately, many of these are not properly tested for efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the novel COVID-19 Airway Management Isolation Chamber (CAMIC) to contain and evacuate particulate.Study DesignMulti-institutional proof-of-concept study.SettingTwo academic institutions: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC).Subjects And MethodsSmoke, saline nebulizer, and simulated working port models were developed to assess the efficacy of the CAMIC to contain and remove ultrafine particles. Particulate counts were collected at set time intervals inside and outside the system.ResultsWith the CAMIC on, smoke particulate counts inside the chamber significantly decreased over time: r(18) = -0.88, P < .001, WRNMMC; r(18) = -0.91, P < .001, MAMC. Similarly, saline nebulizer particulate counts inside the chamber significantly decreased over time: r(23) = -0.82, P < .001, WRNMMC; r(23) = -0.70, P < .001, MAMC. In the working port model, particulate counts inside the chamber significantly decreased over time: r(23) = -0.95, P < .001, WRNMMC; r(23) = -0.85, P < .001, MAMC. No significant leak was detected in the smoke, saline nebulizer, or working port model when the CAMIC was turned on.ConclusionsThe CAMIC system appears to provide a barrier that actively removes particles from within the chamber and limits egress. Further studies are necessary to determine clinical applicability. The CAMIC may serve as an adjunct to improve health care worker safety and patient outcomes.

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