Bubble-like dome to contain airborne germs during endotracheal intubation
Official title: Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Airborne Pathogen Containment Device Design: Randomized Open-label Equivalence Trial of Patient Safety and Acceptability During Endotracheal Intubation.
Run by IWK Health Centre · NCT06968377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether placing a clear, bubble-shaped dome over a patient’s head during intubation can help reduce germ spread without making the anesthesia process harder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IWK Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06968377 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 years old undergoing elective surgery with endotracheal intubation, ASA I-II, and able to give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with BMI over 40, pregnancy, claustrophobia, significant cardiovascular/respiratory disease, or other conditions that increase risk or would hinder participation may not benefit or could be at higher risk.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants undergoing elective surgery are randomly assigned to receive the bubble-like airborne containment device during intubation or to continue with standard care. The study compares safety and surgical experience, time to place the breathing tube, and changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels between groups. Data are collected through patient surveys after surgery and during the procedure as applicable. The trial is open-label and focuses on equivalence between using the device and not using it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could help limit hospital airborne exposure to pathogens during airway procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in airborne containment strategies has shown mixed results; this study tests a specific dome device in a randomized design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASA class 1 and 2 * Elective surgery * Adults \>18 years of age * Ability to give informed consent * Surgery in supine or lithotomy position * Surgical site: abdominal, pelvic, lower limb or distal upper limb * Endotracheal intubation is indicated as per attending anesthesiologist Exclusion Criteria: * BMI \>40 * pregnancy * "full stomach" or increased intraabdominal pressure (as per attending anesthesiologist) * predictors of difficult airway management as per attending anesthesiologist * airway management plan (as per attending anesthesiologist) that is incompatible with study protocol * initial ventilatory settings that are incompatible with planned care as per study protocol * Claustrophobia * significant cardiovascular or respiratory disease (including pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, etc.) * anticipated significant level of post-operative sedation preventing survey participation
Where it's running
-
IWK Health Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ana Sjaus, MSc, MD, FRCPC
- Email: anesthesiaresearch@iwk.nshealth.ca
- Phone: 1-902-470-6627
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.