As researchers race to find a cure or vaccine for the novel coronavirus, frontline medical workers and others struggle to contain it. Efforts to reduce viral transmission have been implemented to varying degrees around the globe, including social distancing and widespread mask usage. Healthcare workers, many of whom lack access to adequate personal protective equipment, are uniquely vulnerable to this disease. Similarly, other individuals who are unable to socially distance, such as unexposed patients admitted for separate concerns, have a heightened risk of infection. Negative pressure isolation rooms can be built into a hospital or tent, but these require significant manufacturing and come with a high cost, and still require healthcare workers to come into close contact with infected patients. Viral containment and transmission reduction is critical to minimize infection rates and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed.
Technology Description
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have devised a unique biocontainment isolation hood to meet the immediate need of emergency departments, intensive care units, operating rooms, emergency medical services, field hospitals and naval ships, built using off-the-shelf components from any hardware store for a total cost of less than $500. This single-patient Individual Biocontainment Unit (IBU) is constructed using a plastic storage bin placed over the patient’s head and neck, a variable speed fan for airflow, a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, and a plastic tarp over the patient’s torso; 3D printed or injection molded components can be used to assemble the device. Importantly, the components used to build the IBU are not in high demand for CPAP/BiPAP or ventilator construction or usage, preventing strain on an already constricted medical supply chain. The parts are low-cost, readily available, and the design is easily scalable, allowing for rapid deployment during this or any future outbreaks.Advantages
Rapidly deployable
Easily scalable
Low-cost, can be assembled from off-the-shelf parts for <$500 each
Necessary parts are not in high demand for other crucial medical devices, preventing additional strain on the supply chain
Unlike negative-pressure isolation rooms, healthcare workers can still safely access patientsApplications
Preventing transmission of pathogens between patient and caretaker or other patients
Quickly and efficiently outfitting field hospitals or other units that may not have adequate protective measures in placeStage of Development
PrototypeIP Status
Provisional patent applications filed 04/07/2020 and 04/24/2020Innovators
J. Peter Rubin, MD
Chair & UPMC Endowed Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
Professor, Department of Bioengineering
Founder & Director, Center for Innovation in Restorative Medicine
Co-director, Adipose Stem Cell Center
Dr. Rubin has consistently been a leader in the international plastic surgery community. As a past president of the IFATS, Dr. Rubin led a group of scientists worldwide who are on the cutting edge in the study of the use of fat stem cells for treating numerous disorders. Dr. Rubin also has been chair of the Plastic Surgery Research Council, the oldest and most respected basic science research organization in the field of plastic surgery. He currently serves as a member of a joint society task force of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and serves as the chair on the Fat Grafting and Stem Cell Task Force. Additionally, he serves as the liaison between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, working to promote safety and quality standards in plastic surgery after weight loss. He is also the co-chair of the Regenerative Medicine Task Force of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons/Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation. He is the recipient of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), which is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their research careers.Education
MD, Tufts University School of Medicine
BS, Grinnell CollegeRecent Publications
Kokai, Lauren & Sivak, Wesley & Schilling, Benjamin & Karunamurthy, Arivarasan & Egro, Francesco & Schusterman, M. & Minteer, Danielle & Simon, Patsy & D’Amico, Richard & Rubin, J. Clinical Evaluation of an Off-the-Shelf Allogeneic Adipose Matrix for Soft Tissue Reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. 2020.
Rubin, J. & Gurtner, Geoffrey & Liu, Wei & March, Keith & Seppänen-Kaijansinkko, Riitta & Yaszemski, Michael & Yoo, James. Tissue Engineering Clinical Council Roundtable Discussion: Opportunities and Challenges in Clinical Translation. Tissue Engineering Part A. 2020.
Egro, Francesco & Coleman, Sydney & Rubin, J. Fat Grafting for Treatment of Secondary Facial Deformity. Clinics in plastic surgery. 2020. 47. 147-154.
Rodriguez, Ricardo & Frazier, Trivia & Bunnell, Bruce & Mouton, Cecilia & March, Keith & Katz, Adam & Rubin, J & Llull, Ramon & Sørensen, Jens & Gimble, Jeffrey. Arguments for a Different Regulatory Categorization and Framework for Stromal Vascular Fraction. Stem Cells and Development. 2019.
Strong, Amy & Rubin, J & Kozlow, Jeffrey & Cederna, Paul. Fat Grafting for the Treatment of Scleroderma. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2019. 144. 1498-1507.
Brower, Jonathan & Rubin, J. Invited Discussion on: Correction of High-Grade Pseudogynecomastia After Massive Weight Loss: Modified Inferior Dermoglandular Pedicled Transverse Scar Reduction. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2019. 44. 1-3.