FAQ
What is surgical smoke? |
Surgical and laser smoke plume are byproducts created when tissue is vaporized by the thermal action that is generated by
electrosurgical and laser procedures. Surgical smoke generally consists of 95% water vapor and 5% other matter. This other matter
can consist of intact cells, cell parts, blood cells, and viral DNA fragments. |
Is surgical smoke hazardous? |
The hazards associated with surgical smoke plume can be categorized as biological or chemical. Research has proven that viable
bacteria have been cultured from tubing of smoke evacuation systems and that the excessive heat generated during electrosurgical and
laser procedures does not completely kill all bacteria spores.
Research has also identified over 600 organic compounds in surgical smoke plume. It has been documented that many of these compounds
have harmful health effects, including irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract, liver and kidney damage, carcinogenic
cell changes, and vomiting and nausea.
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How does a smoke evacuator work? |
A smoke evacuator works by pulling in the smoke plume generated from the surgical procedure and pushing it through filters that
trap the particulate matter. The purified air is then expelled back into the room.
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