Mask For Use In Endoscopic Procedures
There is provided a mask for use in endoscopic procedures that includes a unitary concave and bowl-shaped body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface with the body having a first opening for receiving an instrument, where the first opening in the body is defined by an edge, and the outer surface radially extends from the edge with a unitary curved wall having a peak and extending from the peak to a rim. The rim defines a second opening that is wider than the first opening and having a diameter of sufficient width to cover a patient's nose and open mouth. The mask has at least one filter positioned on the body portion to permit air to pass through the body portion, and a seal is positioned around or over the first opening to secure the instrument hermetically when received through the first opening. The filter is of a size to prevent known viruses and microbials, including coronavirus, from transmitting into the air external to the mask.
1 . A mask for use in endoscopic procedures comprising:
a unitary concave and bowl-shaped body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface;
said body having a first opening for receiving an instrument, said first opening in said body defined by an edge, said outer surface radially extending from said edge with a unitary curved wall having a peak and extending from said peak to a rim, said rim defining a second opening;
said second opening wider than said first opening and having a diameter of sufficient width to cover a patient's nose and open mouth;
at least one filter positioned on said body portion to permit air to pass through said body portion;
a seal positioned around or over said first opening to secure said instrument when received through said first opening.
2 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the second opening ranges in size to fit a variety of patients.
3 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the first opening may range in size from 2 mm-12 mm to accommodate an endoscope or instrument.
4 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the first opening is centrally located.
5 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the seal positioned around the first opening seals the endoscope hermetically.
6 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the seal is flexible so as to maintain the hermetic seal of the instrument while moving during a procedure.
7 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter is positioned on the inner surface of the mask.
8 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter is positioned on the mask for filtration of microdroplets from a respiratory process of a patient.
9 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter is of a size to prevent known viruses and microbials from transmitting into external air outside the mask.
10 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter is of a size to prevent human coronavirus particles from transmitting into external air outside the mask.
11 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter has a size range of 70 microns-100 microns for filtration.
12 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter is made of a porous, grid-like material.
13 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein one or more hermetically sealed openings are included on the mask for surgical instruments in addition to a primary instrument.
14 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the mask is secured over a patient's nose and mouth during use, with the inner surface of the mask positioned toward the patient.
15 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the mask is secured to a patient's head by use of a strap.
16 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the bowl-shaped body portion is made of a transparent material.
17 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the rim is covered by a soft material capable of molding to a patient's face.
18 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the bowl-shaped body portion is made of a hypoallergenic material.
19 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the mask is capable of withstanding repeated sterilization processes.
20 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein the mask is single-use and disposable.
21 . The mask of claim 1 , wherein said at least one filter includes copper, copper alloys, or copper mesh material.