Local teen creates reusable filtration system to help offset PPE shortage

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Veterinary services have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and in line with health care workers, many are struggling to access much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) due to huge increase in global demand. 

Dr. John Brajkovich from the Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital and his team have been suffering from these challenges and making do with what they have. But Dr. Brajkovich's son Moses wanted to do more. 

“A lot of that resource is being diverted, and we're trying to do the best we can, limiting what we're using,” said Dr. Brajkovich. “What's happening is our masks are falling apart and my staff, and pretty much a lot of people in this industry are facing the same problems.”

The primary allocation of PPE is going to human hospitals as they are of highest priority, leaving veterinary health care workers to find their own ways of using PPE.

Moses began doing research on using surgical drape material to create a filtration system for basic masks. He found a study done by Bruce Spiess, a professor of anesthesiology in the UF College of Medicine, who came up with the idea.

“We use this type of material (H600) daily and would normally throw it out, so by taking it, and manufacturing surgical masks, we've repurposed it,” said Dr. Brajkovich. “My son and myself have combined our efforts, using an existing idea and modifying it to be used in our hospital.”

Moses did his research and came up with the modifications for a design that uses a frame type mold, combined with surgical drape material. What this filtration system does, is allows the filter to be changed daily while providing all safety benefits of the popular N95 mask. Dr. Brajkovich explains that the filtration masks fit with a tight seal and finds them to be more comfortable and secure than a N95 mask. 

The masks are manufactured by a medical 3D printer located at the veterinary hospital for preoperative and surgical planning. After Moses did his research and came up with a design, he began creating mask frames using the printer.

“It's a real simple design, using a plastic mouldable frame, again modified for use, where we're using our old surgical drapes that are, when they're doubled up, basically as protective as a N95 mask. So, instead of throwing those drapes out, which end up in a landfill, we're cutting them up, and reusing them every day,” said Dr. Brajkovich.

Moses will be starting his degree in bioengineering in the Fall. This design and reusable filtration system have given him the time and experience to practice before he goes to school. They currently aren't selling these reusable masks but are passing on knowledge to other clinics and veterinary hospitals. 

“The nice thing is, you can actually breathe through them. And we're not reusing them day after day like we are our other masks, which we know we can only use them for so long until you can't trust them anymore,” Dr. Brajkovich explained. “We don't have any more masks to get, so we have to come up with something different. Moses and I working together on this, but he is working day by day to make it work for us.”

Each mask, including the 3D printed frame and material all together costs nine cents. Being able to reuse material to keep staff safe and healthy without the concern of not being provided PPE has been really important to the team at Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital.

“Although the masks are not certified as an N95 mask and are not intended to replace the N95, they are filling a void in which otherwise we would not be able to continue to provide services,” said Dr. Brajkovich.