HFLE Works
High Flow Local Extraction (HFLE), when well positioned close to the patient’s airway (no further than 25cm (depending on flow rates), is extremely effective at eliminating patient generated aerosols from the clinical environment.
HFLE is extremely effective in aerosol elimination during powerful coughing.
HFLE is extremely effective in aerosol elimination during HFNO.
HFLE is extremely effective in aerosol elimination with laminar flow
HFLE efficacy is decreased by surgical face masks and NIV
HEPA filtration of extracted air must occur before returning air back in to circulation
In theatre with laminar positive flow
Don’t stand down stream of the aerosol plume in times of risk (intubation/extubation, CPR, oropharyngeal suction etc).
i.e. Reverse table position during airway interventions. The safest place in the room is in the centre of the laminar flow. If anaesthetic staff could position themselves in the centre of the laminar flow during aerosol generating procedures it may reduce exposure to aerosol load in absence of HFLE.