Product Evaluation

Henry Schein Brand

Single-Use Aerosol Evacuator

A hands-free, disposable device that attaches to any standard HVE connection to reduce aerosols at their source

While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routines worldwide, the dental industry has experienced more than its fair share of coronavirus-related inconveniences. Since COVID-19 is transmitted by airborne oral droplets, dental practitioners are at heightened risk because they are literally face to face with saliva all day long. To protect clinicians and patients, many dental practices are focusing on infection control procedures that reduce aerosol transmission.

“I have become more aware and worried about airborne spores since COVID,” said Paula Tillotson, RDH. She is willing to try new products that provide an extra layer of protection, especially since she has “no assistance with aerosol collection during ultrasonic scaling procedures,” a procedure that is especially prone to saliva splatter.

Tillotson was excited to try Henry Schein’s SingleUse Aerosol Evacuator, a disposable device that attaches to any standard HVE connection to reduce aerosol transmission from the mouth. She said the device “seems to capture more water spray during the scaling process,” which makes her “feel a bit safer.” Although using the Aerosol Evacuator adds another step to her infection control procedures, Tillotson determined, “Having an extra layer of protection that collects airborne spores is ideal. It is worth it. I love the HVE tips and never want to practice without them again. They are life changing for a hygienist.”

Aerosol Reduction

According to research provided by Henry Schein, the Single-Use Aerosol Evacuator extracts up to 90% of aerosols during aerosol-generating procedures1 and is noticeably quieter than HVE tips and other evacuators2 . “We work in a large clinic, and aerosol reduction is critical, especially right now,” explained Chanci Oyler, RDH, who said the evacuator “helps reduce aerosols during a pandemic in an easy and efficient way.” Hygienist Cathy Alty agreed that the device helped “reduce aerosols from escaping a patient’s mouth,” and Chris Daigle said it “definitely reduced aerosols effectively,” especially when patients pulled the hosing to aid in retraction.

Describing “a noticeable difference in reduced aerosols” when using the evacuator, Cheri Lindstrom said the device was awkward, “although the idea is great.” One hygienist said it worked so well that she didn’t need to use suction, while Dana Jones said it “helped with retraction but did not help with aerosols.” Dawn Fremont said her patients noticed less mist and aerosol, especially when using the ultrasonic scaler, and Lois Palermo said it “worked perfectly” and “cut down on the prophy jet aerosol phenomenally.” She added, “It was the first time in 43 years I didn’t have to give the patients extra towels to wipe their faces off, and I also didn’t keep spraying myself.”

“It helps reduce aerosols during a pandemic in an easy and efficient way.”

- Chanci Oyler, RDH

Orem, UT

 Design & Patient Comfort

The single-piece, single-use evacuator comes in a universal size and features flexible wings that adjust to a patient’s mouth. The Aerosol Evacuator attaches to any HVE tubing, is used in addition to the saliva ejector, and is discarded after use. Some hygienists said it worked more effectively when the patient held the suction line, which seemed to help retract the lower lip, according to Jones. Naming “fit and comfort” as her favorite features, Shelley Gessler said her patients liked the device and did not mind holding the tubing. Suggesting that the evacuator “be converted to an autoclavable version,” Tillotson said, “It was a bit uncomfortable for patients with narrow mandibular arches,” but she was still able to complete those procedures. Alty suggested a softer plastic, Daigle said her “patients felt it was comfortable to use,” and Nancy Shepard said her patients found it uncomfortable.

Ease of Use

The Aerosol Evacuator is placed outside the mouth to encourage hands-free suction of aerosols, which allows “the dentist to do adjustments without an assistant,” according to one hygienist. Tillotson named “ease of use and aerosol collection” as her favorite features, Alty said it was simple to use after watching an instructional video, and Palmero noted, “The device itself was great, but the hose I have is too stiff and made it more difficult to use.” Some hygienists found it cumbersome to use the saliva ejector and Aerosol Evacuator at the same time, with Lindstrom commenting, “It made access harder but did cut down on aerosols.” Tammy Sjurseth said she had “trouble keeping it in the mouth because the HVE hose pulled,” which improved when patients held the hose.

Overall Satisfaction

Noting that the Aerosol Evacuator “really does work [to reduce aerosols], Palmero pointed out that it also helps keep the lower lip retracted. “I loved this product and its ease of use,” said Tillotson, and Alty concluded, “It is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to reduce aerosols during hygiene procedures, especially if space or finances can’t swing a big air cleaner unit.”

References

1. Average reduction based on tests conducted in an aerosol testing chamber and measured by laser-light scattering photometry.

2. Based on average noise spectrum measurements conducted in a small device noise test chamber.

Takeaways

• Disposable device attaches to HVE line to reduce aerosols exiting the mouth• Easy-to-use implant planning software assists in identifying the ideal implant location

• Extracts up to 90% of aerosols during aerosol generating procedures

• Universal size with flexible wings that adjust to patient’s mouth

• Easy for clinician to use and aids in retraction

• Especially suitable for ultrasonic scaling procedures