Protective shield device proves beneficial in COVID coverage.
*This article was written with one of EPM’s advertising partners as a promotional supplement.*
I was recently contacted by emergency physician, Dr. Marc Levine about his new product — The Pro-Tect Mobile Shield. Levine co-developed with his brother-in-law, Dr. Abe Bronner, a dental clinician. After experiencing a family emergency and unable to visit a dentist due to Covid-19, Levine started to consider infection control concerns for dentistry.
The original idea was an off shoot from the rapidly developed and implemented “intubation box” design. While his dental office was closed, Bronner began to develop a protective device for dental professionals. After looking at the device they created for the dental field; it was quickly adapted for Levine’s needs in the Emergency Department.
We have all experienced the unwanted back splash from lidocaine with wound infiltration soiling our clothing and even facial contamination. In addition, there are abscesses that act more like geysers when incised, again, causing unwanted splatter. The shield also proves to be invaluable during nasal swabs and pharyngeal examinations when gagging and coughing are likely.
The Pro-Tect Mobile Shield by Pro-Tect PPE, LLC has addressed so many of these issues. It is the first adjustable shield on wheels allowing it to be easily moved and positioned so that it that can be placed between a patient and clinician.
It functions as a large, mobile barrier with minimal interference to the provider avoiding the inconvenience and fogging that occurs with facial shields. The Pro-Tect Mobile Shield is unique in its adjustability in multiple planes. The shield can be varied for landscape and portrait positions along with vertical and horizontal positioning depending upon the clinical situation. There is a very small footprint of 19.5 inches fitting in even the smaller spaces that can be found in the ED.
While the stressors from Covid-19 will decrease, our world and environment are such that other serious pathogens will emerge, including the annual influenza outbreaks. The need for constant clinician vigilance for self-protection will now be a permanent part of our practice.
Q&A with Dr. Levine
Q: How did you start with the shield in the ED?
A: My first thought and use were with nasopharyngeal specimen collections. The patient is without a mask and during specimen collections there is the added chance for unwanted splatter towards the clinical. The 12 x 16-inch shield provides greater protection dimensions than a typical facial shield. Additionally, the position closer to the patient decreases the exposure to clothing.
Q: What other uses have you found?
A: After infiltrating a laceration with lidocaine and dodging back spray, I realized that the shield could be used with my laceration repairs and abscess drainages to protect my face and clothing without compromising the surgical procedure. Also, when I am examining the facial region or an oral exam or procedure when a mask is not practical, I have a greater level of protection from contamination.
Q: Any other ED thoughts?
A: I am looking forward to a trial situation for intubation in the appropriate patient since I would be able to avoid facial shield usage.
Q: Are there other staff members that can use the shield?
A: The nursing staff has utilized the shield during nasopharyngeal collections. I have thought that this could be used during difficult intravenous starts, nasogastric tube placements or gastrostomy replacements. Any procedure with spatter should be considered.
Q: What are the dimensions of your product?
A: The mobile wheeled base is only 19-inches. It is adjustable from the middle of the shield from 33- to 57-inches. The shield itself is 12 x 16 inches and can be adjusted from landscape to portrait mode. It can be placed up to 17-inches from center allowing placement over a stretcher.
Q: So how do you care for the Pro-tect Mobile Shield?
A: The shield part is designed to be disposable and replaced after any contaminated procedure. Otherwise, it can be cleaned and wiped down with an alcohol-based microfiber cloth sheet that is readily available. Additionally, a single cloth can wipe the entire exposed device and allowed to air dry.
Q: Is there a larger shield to protect two operators?
A: There is a sister design that was originally meant for use in dental offices that allows for two operators to be protected without with an additional shield. Not only does this protect two operators, we have been approached for use in the educational environment with the heightened concern for added protection for our teachers and educators.
Q: Any future plans?
A: We have been approached for use in the educational environment with the heightened concern for added protection for our teachers and educators. I would hope that this additional layer of protection might give more confidence for the return of much needed school teaching.
Additional information is available and direct ordering at www.pro-tectppe.com
