We interviewed Cosimo Cigliola, a graduate in Oral-Dental Hygiene, and the inventor of “Cannula Zero”, an innovative device that combines suction, reducing aerosols and droplets, and optimal vision in a single device, built to improve the lives of dental hygienists and dentists.
It is known that during dental procedures aerosol and droplets can be generated which can contain and carry pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria.
The risk during the dentist’s intervention can be transmission from the patient to the dentist/operator and vice versa, causing infections and health problems.
It is always advisable to use personal protective equipment, especially to ensure the patient’s safety, but how can we protect ours?
We interviewed Dr. Cosimo Cigliola, a graduate in Oral-Dental Hygiene and creator of “Cannula Zero”, a device that combines a suction cannula with a double mirror so as to have more margin and easy movement: the result is a practical device that can make the difference in keeping aerosol and droplets to a minimum.
Q: Dr. Cigliola, how was it founded and what are the main features of “Cannula Zero” in a dental practice?
A: I designed this device during the covid period, in 2020: at the time the issue of droplets in the aerosol during procedures had become of wide interest among us dentists. Thus arose the need to use a cannula that would allow me to work in the absence of aerosol and droplets or, in any case, to reduce their presence as much as possible. By combining the cannula with a double mirror, I understood that I could obtain a handy and at the same time functional device to have both optimal visibility and suction in the necessary points.
Q: What are the advantages that the operator can benefit from in your opinion?
A: In addition to the main advantage of vacuuming and using the mirror with the same hand, another significant advantage is the maneuverability which also greatly improves the dentist/operator’s posture: it is possible to select the preferred working side to work ergonomically, so as not to subject your wrist and elbow to harmful stress and contortions.
Q: How does the Zero Cannula work?
A: It’s very simple: just connect the Cannula Zero to the aspirator and, thanks also to the flexible tube and the light and space-saving connectors, position it correctly in the oral cavity. It is possible to divert the suction flow from one of the two sides of the cannula and close the opposite one to avoid , once positioned, creating a suction effect with considerable discomfort for the patient. To do this, simply rotate the selector to “O” (Open), leaving the suction side open from which you choose to work. The suction side “C” (Closed) which comes into contact with the mucosa or the tongue is automatically excluded.
Q: In your opinion, what are the clinical cases in which the use of Cannula Zero can significantly improve the experience of the patient and the dentist/operator?
A: According to my experience and that of colleagues who have had the opportunity to test it, it can be used on every type of patient and situation, both in dentistry and oral hygiene, including GBT. There is no specific indication.
Q: What materials is Cannula Zero made of?
A: Cannula Zero is made with laser STL (Stereolithography) printers. The materials are highly biocompatible, autoclavable, hypoallergenic, anti-toxic and above all, certified.
Q: What developments do you see for Cannula Zero in the future?
A: In the near future I would like to add a LED light to illuminate the work area and finish developing the possibility of preventing the mirror from fogging up during use.
Q: Do you have any advice for your colleagues?
A: Of course, always use PPE to protect the patient, but also think about your own health and do everything necessary to protect yourself.
