US Patent 11490988 Face-mounted, negative-pressure antechamber

Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for protecting doctors and others from pathogenic microorganisms aerosolized during surgical and other procedures on patients. The systems and methods generally operate by forming a partially-enclosed chamber around the patient's face during the procedure. A facial adapter and facial shield isolate a portion of the patient's face from the surrounding environment. The partially-enclosed chamber is connected to a vacuum source that brings the pathogenic particles through a filter, which further decreases the number of pathogenic particles expelled into the environment.