NOVA LABS PPE INTUBATION TENT by Bo Wernick
In early April 2020, the Nova Labs volunteer community, in cooperation with medical professionals, began developing a low cost foldable intubation tent. It was inspired by the popularity of large acrylic cases designed to prevent the spread of aerosolized particles from Covid-19 patients infecting medical professionals. The Nova Labs community was tasked with developing a lightweight and collapsible version that could meet the complex needs of the medical environment while reducing the storage footprint and high cost of the existing products.
Intubation with, and without, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The process began with a requirement-gathering effort between Bo Wernick at Nova Labs and Amy Keim, PA-C, who was working as a medical professional in the Washington DC area. Those requirements led to a brainstorming session where a variety of challenges were identified with existing solutions. After some group brainstorming with a team of Nova Labs volunteers, a concept began to take shape, and a plan was put into motion.
Fit check tools used to identify size and shape requirements.
The development process began with several “fit check” prototypes. These tools were built to rapidly gather information about access port locations, size and shape optimizations, and niche features like sealing ports, enabling removal of the device while the patient was connected to machines, and attaching the tent firmly to the patient’s stretcher or gurney. The initial fit check tools were cardboard, hot glue, and plastic sheeting. The fit check tools were tested in the medical environment and new measurement feedback was provided. Page 18 | May Newsletter | Nova Labs
