The Importance of Smoke Evacuation Systems in Surgery

Surgical smoke evacuation systems are widely used in the operating room and are almost an integral part of surgery. They effectively capture and remove the surgical smoke produced during various procedures, thereby maintaining a safe environment for the surgical team and the patient. Let’s delve deeper into why these systems are crucial, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your facility.

To offer flexibility across all clinical settings, Surgical Holdings have 2 alternatives – Bovie Smoke Shark II and Smoke Shark III to help improve safety and reduce the odour in outpatient surgery, making for a better experience for the patient and clinician. Managing Director Dan Coole explains more.

Why is surgical smoke a hazard?

Studies have found that on average the smoke produced daily in the operating theatre is equivalent to the amount produced by 27-30 cigarettes.^[1]

Mounting evidence suggests that surgical smoke, the byproduct of surgical procedures using heat-producing devices such as lasers, electrosurgical units and ultrasonic scalpels, poses a serious health risk to healthcare workers and patients. It is estimated that 90% of all endoscopic and surgical procedures produce plumes, and approximately a half-million healthcare workers are exposed to laser or electrosurgical smoke each year.[2] 

This plume has been shown to contain toxic gases, viruses and bacteria^[3], which can be harmful through inhalation or contact with the skin or eyes.  Exposure can lead to respiratory problems, exacerbate existing conditions, cause eye and skin irritation, and even pose long-term health risks like chronic bronchitis or increased cancer susceptibility.

The Role of Smoke Evacuation Systems

In the age of COVID-19, there is undoubtedly heightened awareness of the importance of safety for both patients and staff. As a result, healthcare facilities have implemented stricter protocols for smoke evacuation and filtration to minimise the risk of surgical smoke to surgical staff and patients. In the US, various states have introduced and passed legislation to make surgical smoke evacuation mandatory and more are expected to follow.

Smoke evacuation systems play a pivotal role in mitigating the risks associated with surgical smoke. By swiftly removing smoke at the source, they ensure a clear operating field, enhancing visibility for surgeons and overall safety during procedures. The adoption of Surgical Smoke Evacuation Systems aligns with healthcare standards, prioritising the well-being of surgical teams and patients by creating a safer surgical environment.

Choosing the right system

At Surgical Holdings, we understand the importance of selecting the right smoke evacuation system for your facility, which is why we have introduced two options to cater for all needs.  Our range includes top-branded products like the Bovie Smoke Shark II and Smoke Shark III, uniquely designed to provide powerful protection from surgical smoke hazards.

Bovie Smoke Shark II Smoke Evacuator

The Smoke Shark II offers an advanced and efficient Surgical Smoke Evacuation System. The innovative system is designed to be compact, portable, and easy to use, making it a valuable addition to operating rooms across various healthcare settings in all surgical settings. The system employs high-quality filters that efficiently trap contaminants, ensuring a clean and safe environment for surgical teams and patients. Its powerful suction capability swiftly removes smoke at its source, maintaining a clear and unobstructed surgical field. With a focus on optimal performance, it utilises cutting-edge filtration mechanisms to ensure the removal of hazardous contaminants, providing a clean and safe environment within the operating room.

Bovie Smoke Shark III Smoke Evacuator

The first ever smoke evacuator, uniquely designed for small healthcare settings such as dermatology, plastics and ophthalmic clinics, the Smoke Shark III features intuitive controls, a compact design, and easy mobility. Its ability to efficiently remove surgical smoke, combined with its user-friendly design, positions the Smoke Shark III as an invaluable asset in modern healthcare settings, prioritising the well-being and safety of both medical professionals and patients undergoing surgical procedures. Smoke Shark III is specifically intended for shorter procedures of 15 minute or less. It has a 6-hour filter that effectively removes 99.999% of 0.1–0.2 micron particles and microorganisms. The system offers a streamlined design with user-friendly features, providing effective surgical smoke removal and optimal safety and quality.

Learn more

Explore our Surgical Smoke Evacuation Systems range at Surgical Holdings to find the perfect solution for your facility. We’re committed to providing high-quality equipment that prioritises the safety of both patients and staff. If you require assistance in selecting the right system or have any queries, our team is here to help. Get in touch!

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[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22445358/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6584931/

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/healthcarehsps/smoke.html#:~:text=Overview,Toxic%20gases