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Abstracts & Posters

Vol. 1 No. S1 (2025): Special Issue: 2025 Geisel Research Poster Night

Reduction of Intraoperative Particle Transmission Using a Novel Nasal Port Device

Submitted
19 December 2025
Published
27-12-2025

Abstract

Endoscopic sinus and skull-base surgeries generate aerosols capable of exposing surgical staff to airborne infectious particles, a risk underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated a novel 3D-printed nasal port device designed to reduce intraoperative particle spread while preserving surgical access and visibility. Using a silicone nasopharyngeal model, aerosolized droplets (5–20 μm) were generated and recorded under three experimental conditions: no port, port only, and port with suction. Quantitative light-intensity analysis demonstrated that the port alone reduced particle density by 29%, while the addition of suction reduced density by 85% relative to no-port conditions. All differences were statistically significant with large effect sizes. These findings suggest that the nasal port with suction may meaningfully decrease aerosol exposure in endoscopic procedures. Limitations include reliance on synthetic models, simulated particles, and testing of only a single device configuration. Further research should assess performance with surgical instruments, smaller aerosol sizes, and cadaveric or clinical validation.

References

  1. References are available on the poster PDF