Common Solutions

Solutions Commonly Used for Contending with the Hazards of Surgical Smoke

TUBING

This method captures smoke produced at the surgical site through tubing held in place by an assistant. The captured smoke is then passed through a series of filters which removes the harmful elements.

DRAWBACKS:

To keep the tube positioned correctly requires an assistant to maneuver the end collection tube in tandem with the surgeon. This often interferes with the line of sight of the surgeon and as a result the effort is abandoned with resultant inhalation of smoke.

ESU SUCTION PENCIL

The ESU Suction Pencil also collects the smoke at the surgical site, using a separate shroud or tube accessory that is attached to the electrosurgical blade handle.

DRAWBACKS:

• The ESU suction pencil removes the need for an assistant but does not work with a laser or bipolar cautery and there have been concerns about the effectiveness of the end collection tubing due to its small diameter.
• The bulky tubing handles of the ESU suction pencil causes physician hand fatigue and is hard to use.
• Finally, the opening of the tubing must be positioned very close to the surgical site for effective capture of smoke. If the nozzle is further than 2 inches (5cm) away from the smoke generation site, the plume is not effectively captured.

miniSQUAIR®

From Nascent Surgical comes the only surgical smoke capture device proven to remove 99.5% of the nanoparticles and bioaerosols present at the incision site during open surgery.*

The miniSQUAIR is a flat plenum of pad that is placed within 1” of the incision. It consists of reticulated cell foam sandwiched between two (2) ayers of non-porous polyethylene and polypropylene plastic which is non-sensitizing to the skin. It adheres to the dried, prepped skin or to a plastic or outer barrier drape. Once in place, it is attached to the ULPA filter and suction source. A standard monopolar cautery pencil, bipolar, laser or other heat transfer device can be used and its smoke captured.

*University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering Particle Calibration Laboratory. Bernard Olson, Ph.D., Manager. Dtd. Nov. 21 and 30, 2011