A modern surgical smoke evacuator for the challenges of today’s operating room

Ricketts, Crystal D; Horner, Shawn K; Clymer, Jeffrey W.; Borgmeier, Paul R

doi:10.15761/mri.1000176

Cited by 5 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 30 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…These masks are primarily designed to protect the patient from respiratory droplets that are expelled by the healthcare worker [ 43 ]. However, they also provide some protection to the wearer by reducing the inhalation of large particles and droplets [ 44 ]. Surgical masks are primarily composed of multiple layers of non-woven fabric.…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Electrocautery Smoke on Surgical Staff and the Efficacy of Normal Surgical Masks Versus N95 Masks

Meretsky,

Mahmoodi,

Knecht

et al. 2024

Cureus

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Electrocautery is a commonly used technique in surgical procedures, generating smoke that poses health risks to surgical staff. This study investigates the comparative efficacy of normal surgical masks versus N95 masks in mitigating the harmful effects of electrocautery smoke. Through a systematic review of literature spanning two decades, we explore the causes and effects of electrocautery smoke exposure, including potential long-term inhalation effects. Our findings highlight significant disparities in the protection offered by different masks and underscore the importance of adequate respiratory protection in surgical settings. In addition, we examine the factors influencing the generation and composition of electrocautery smoke, such as the power settings used, the type of tissue being cauterized, and the duration of the procedure. Furthermore, we discuss the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to electrocautery smoke, including the possibility of respiratory conditions, cardiovascular effects, and carcinogenicity. Our analysis also addresses the importance of implementing appropriate smoke evacuation systems and optimizing operating room ventilation to minimize the concentration of smoke particles in the surgical environment. Overall, this comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the impact of electrocautery smoke in surgical settings and the varying levels of protection offered by different masks.

show abstract

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Electrocautery Smoke on Surgical Staff and the Efficacy of Normal Surgical Masks Versus N95 Masks

Meretsky,

Mahmoodi,

Knecht

et al. 2024

Cureus

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The smoke evacuator has technology designed to make it quieter, easy to use and maintain a high flow rate which allows for an effective method of collecting and filtering smoke. [21,22] The Megadyne Smoke Evacuator uses ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) filters that remove molecular odors and completely block particles as small as 50 nm and is 99.9999% effective down to 20 nm. [22] Although the efficacy of air filters is well documented, there are relatively few studies examining the functional smoke capture of smoke evacuators and measurement of smoke components.…”

Section: Sryahwa Publicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of Smoke Particulates and Formaldehyde Removal from the Surgical Site by a Smoke Evacuator

G. Sadowsky,

K. Horner,

W. Clymer

et al. 2023

Open Acc J Nurs

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Modern smoke evacuators are equipped with high-efficiency filters capable of capturing particulates generated by electrosurgery. However, the efficacy of an evacuator also depends upon the design of the device that captures the smoke. This study was performed to evaluate the removal of particulates and formaldehyde in smoke at the surgical site by the Megadyne Smoke Evacuator and Telescoping Smoke Evacuator Pencil.Methods: Electrosurgery was performed on ex vivo porcine liver in an operating room setting. Peak levels of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , total particles and formaldehyde were monitored at 30 cm above the electrosurgical site, i.e., at the level of the surgeon's head. Measurements were made and compared with the smoke evacuator turned on and off.Results: Use of the smoke evacuator reduced levels of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , total particles and formaldehyde at the surgical site by over 99% (p<0.001). Conclusion:The combination of the Megadyne Smoke Evacuator and Telescoping Smoke Evacuator Pencil effectively removed smoke from the region where particulates and formaldehyde are most concentrated. By lowering the concentration of particulates and volatile organic compounds at the surgical site, the Megadyne Smoke Evacuator can help to improve air quality in the operating room and respiratory comfort of the staff.

show abstract

“…In addition, these systems will considerably reduce the presence of gaseous elements and smoke, provide a much cleaner surgical environment and provide greater visibility of the surgical site. Most of these evacuators are connected to filters that have activated carbon in their composition, which will absorb the chemicals that are present in surgical smoke ( 14 , 15 ).…”

Section: Mitigate This Riskmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surgical smoke and occupational health

Canicoba¹

2022

Ann Transl Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Surgical smoke is generated when using electrocautery, lasers and ultrasonic devices that cuts and coagulates various tissues and are used during surgical procedures. This smoke is formed by incomplete cauterization of tissues and contains toxic gases that can accumulate in the form of living or dead organic material (1), causing harmful effects to the health of those who inhale it. Statistical data suggest that each year in the United States around 500,000 professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists, are exposed to surgical smoke hazards in operating rooms and such exposures cumulate over their lifetimes (2). In Taiwan, for example, more than 10,000 nurses are exposed to these hazards each year (3). Also, if a large amount of surgical smoke is present in the environment, it can obstruct the surgeon's view and make surgery last longer (4,5). Since the 1960s, the dangers of exposure to surgical smoke constituents and their presence of bioaerosols have been investigated (4).The surgical smoke can be seen and its malodorous odor felt by operating room professionals, being composed of 95% of water vapor and 5% of combustion byproducts and cellular residues (6,7), such as chemical compounds like benzene, and biological materials such as blood particles, tissue particles, viruses and bacteria that have mutagenic and cytotoxic agents in aerosols (6,7). It is important to point out that different tissues can change the composition of surgical smoke and the compounds like acrolein, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide and methane are considered respiratory irritants, which make them dangerous for individuals working in the operating room

show abstract

A modern surgical smoke evacuator for the challenges of today’s operating room

Cited by 5 publications

References 30 publications

The Impact of Electrocautery Smoke on Surgical Staff and the Efficacy of Normal Surgical Masks Versus N95 Masks

The Impact of Electrocautery Smoke on Surgical Staff and the Efficacy of Normal Surgical Masks Versus N95 Masks

Determination of Smoke Particulates and Formaldehyde Removal from the Surgical Site by a Smoke Evacuator

Surgical smoke and occupational health

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About