The Marriott Extractor is a simple adaptation of the normal extraction vent in a laminar flow operating theatre, whereby the very high extraction flow can be redirected to begin at the site of aerosol generation, reducing contamination of the operating theatre. We call this technique High Flow Local Extraction (HFLE). Extracted air is passed directly through a HEPA filter in the building’s own ventilation system.
The configuration whereby the flow comes from the buildings own existing ventilation has been termed RIVET (Re-purposing Integrated Ventilation for Extraction in Theatre). The device has a patent pending, allowing royalty free access during the pandemic.
Should you wish to develop this concept for use in your own health service, in accordance with your local approval processes, feel free to do so. The inventors/researchers take no responsibility for the outcome. The device is still in development stage and we are seeking approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration for clinical use.
Operation of Extractor
Step 1.
The cover box (plenum) is placed over a wall exhaust vent, preferably in the corner that has the least staff, using duct tape.
Hosing as attached and brought to the patient area
Step 2.
When an Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) is to be performed, the louver’s of plenum box are switched by lifting the front panel
Once the AGP is complete, then the device is returned to its normal airflow configuration for the duration of surgery.
Design detail
Assembly
Plywood vs laser cut stainless steel.
Building ventilation hosing
We have measured air flow rate through the intake nozzle at 62 L/sec