The infectious aerosol capture mask, a new protective device developed by Steven Lisco, M.D., chair of the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, now is available through a partnership between UNMC and Omaha Custom Manufacturing, and the device already has drawn interest from the U.S. Air Force.
The Air Force currently is studying the mask’s ability to protect flight crews that transport patients who are infected with COVID-19.
As the Air Force continues its study, the partnership will fast-track the manufacture of the device, which is designed to prevent infected patients from spraying or exhaling viral agents and potentially infecting others in the room.
“Omaha Custom Manufacturing has been incredible to work with,” said Tyler Scherr, Ph.D., the licensing agent at UNeMed who brokered the deal. “They’re basically doing this for us on a hope and a prayer. They saw the need and are investing to make these devices available to help protect all health care workers.”
Added Omaha Custom Manufacturing CEO and President, Mark Keffeler: “If there’s a way for us to help with the pandemic, we want to do it.”
Dr. Lisco, along with director of perioperative imaging, Nicholas Markin, M.D., who 3D printed the adapter, teamed with UNeMed, the technology transfer and commercialization office at UNMC. UNeMed arranged a licensing agreement with Omaha Custom Manufacturing, which, given the urgency of the pandemic, agreed to focus resources in order to accelerate the device’s speed to market.
At this initial stage, the special adapter for the Infectious Aerosol Capture Mask is available for purchase through Omaha Custom Manufacturing via email or by calling 800-228-5021. All other components are commonly accessible in most clinical settings and readily found through various medical equipment suppliers.
Nursing students share ‘flattening the curve’ photos
Since it’s been a challenge to finish out the school year, the Student Nurses Association officers at the UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division wanted to encourage and keep students connected while also showing that they play an important part in “flattening the curve.”
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Lillian Epp shares a photo of her continuing to work on her farm as an essential worker. |
The association did a random drawing for Amazon gift cards to boost student morale. The idea was for students to submit a picture of how they are contributing to COVID…social distancing, working, washing hands etc.
Jami Fulwider, nursing instructor for the UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division, said she received about 25 photo submissions for the drawing.
“Many students have been displaced from clinical at this time and we wanted to show that everyone is playing an important part,” Fulwider said. “It makes me proud to teacher so many amazing students. Nursing students are ‘doers’ and want to be a part of helping the community.”
Winners were: McKenzie Buchanan, Lauren Weber, Sydney Griess, Madison Egger, Elizabeth Burks, Tara Soukup, Brooke Clabaugh and Shelby Jones.
UNMC student collecting art to share with elderly
UNMC student Mickenzie Nordeen is collecting donations of all types of art to share with local nursing home and hospice patients to help bring them a little joy while they are stuck in isolation.
Nordeen is accepting any type of art: paintings, drawings, photography, embroidery, knitting or crochet project. For more information, contact Nordeen by email.