Smoke Suction Machine: A Critical Device For Air Quality In Medical Environments
Every year, nearly 50 million patients in the US undergo laser vision correction (LVC) surgeries in which the cornea of the eye is reshaped to ensure clear vision. This procedure is one of those medical processes that generate surgical smoke and, therefore, put the patients as well as the healthcare team at risk. To mitigate the danger, using smoke suction machines has been declared mandatory in many states.
Smoke suction machines improve the air quality of the operating room
In this article, we will address the smoke suction machines in terms of their importance in healthcare facilities. In addition, some of the well-known suction machine brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What is Surgical Smoke and Why Is It Harmful?
Before diving into smoke suction machines, let us first learn what surgical smoke is and why there is a need to manage it. Surgical smoke is the smoke generated when an energy-based surgical device is employed during a procedure, such as in laser surgeries, electrocautery, etc.
When used on the human body, such devices cut or coagulate tissues, resulting in the generation of surgical smoke that is rich in water vapors (95%), along with 5% of the solid content, including ultra-fine particles, and toxic chemicals, including benzene, acrolein, toluene, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, etc. In addition, this smoke also contains blood, bacteria, and viruses.
With this composition, this surgical smoke, when inhaled, causes the following issues:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
- Coughing and sneezing
In long term, consistent exposure to surgical smoke leads to an elevated risk of chronic respiratory problems, infectious diseases, and cancer.
What are Smoke Suction Machines?
A smoke suction machine, also known as a smoke evacuators, is a medical tool employed during surgeries to maintain air quality. The purpose is to keep the patients and the healthcare providers in a safe environment that is free from the surgical smoke generated during the procedure. To do so, these devices suck the surgical smoke and make the environment of the operating room (OR) fit for breathing.
Benefits and Uses of Smoke Suction Machines
Smoke suction machines are employed in numerous surgeries in the operating rooms throughout the day. Some of the benefits these systems provide have been summarized as follows:
Prevention from Hazardous Smoke
The smoke suction machines prevent the smoke hazard by absorbing and filtering the surgical smoke produced during electrosurgical procedures. This way, the air in the operating room remains clean and breathable. As a result, short-term risks like headache, respiratory hindrance, and eye irritation are effectively avoided. Additionally, long-term risks are also prevented.
Provision of a Clear Field of View
Apart from causing respiratory issues to the patient as well as the healthcare provider, surgical smoke also hinders the view at the surgical site, leading to a reduced efficiency of the surgeon. By clearing this smoke, a clear field of view can be achieved that not only makes the procedure highly accurate but also shortens the overall procedure time.
Reduced Risk of Infections
As the surgical smoke also contains different types of microbes, its inhalation can become the cause of numerous infectious diseases. For instance, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), E. coli, hepatitis viruses, human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and SARS-CoV-2 are commonly present in surgical smoke.
Upon inhalation, the healthcare team can experience symptoms like sore throat, dizziness, nausea, rhinitis, drowsiness, and sneezing. Furthermore, upon constant exposure, the risk of chronic illnesses also increases. By clearing this smoke, smoke suction machines prevent both short and long-term health damage.
Cosmetic surgery also produces surgical smoke as a byproduct
Parts of a Smoke Suction Machine
Smoke suction machines are easy-to-use systems that suck and filter the harmful smoke produced during certain kinds of surgical procedures. The device consists of the following components:
Capture Devices
A smoke capture device is part of the device that sucks the smoke from the source or the target tissue and transfer it into the suctioning system. These parts come in different forms and shapes, which include the following:
- Electrosurgical pencils with integrated smoke evacuation
- Laparoscopic hose sets
- Articulated arm stands
- Shrouds or nozzles
Filters
Filters in a smoke suction machine handle the task of cleaning the air that is captured and taken into the system. Some of the commonly used filters in these units include the following:
- Pre-filters that specialize in trapping large debris as well as liquid components of the surgical smoke
- Ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) or high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) filters that target fine particles, such as bacteria and viruses
- Activated carbon filter that helps neutralize bad odor associated with the toxic gases and organic vapors present in the surgical smoke
- Fluid traps that trap aerosols and other fluids to prevent them from entering the filters
Hoses and Tubing
The tubing as well as hoses of the system are responsible for transferring surgical smoke from the operating room to the main evacuation unit. They are available in different lengths and diameters.
Control Interfaces
The components, such as foot switches, remote activators, and control panels, give control of the device to the surgical team. This way, the system can be easily switched on and off whenever suctioning is needed during the procedure.
How Does a Smoke Suction Machine Work?
Smoke suction machines employ a vacuum suctioning method for the removal of smoke from the OR. As soon as the device is switched on, the suctioning pressure forces the surgical smoke present around the source through the capture devices into the tubing.
Next, this smoke passes through the filters, where particulate matter gets separated and harmful chemicals are absorbed. The clean air thus generated is safely released into the air. This way, by repeatedly conducting this suctioning and filtering process, the air quality of the operating room remains high and does not cause harm.
Surgeries involving tissue cutting or coagulation produce hazardous surgical smoke
Smoke Suction Machines at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
The management of the surgical smoke is one of the key procedures while using high-energy surgical devices. This can be done by using smoke suction machines that come in different forms and sizes and are usually portable to facilitate their transfer from one OR to another.
However, when it comes to learning about smoke suction machines, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known smoke suction machine brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:
ConMed PSWTURBO_AS PlumeSafe Turbo Surgical Smoke Evacuator EACH
Product Details
ConMed PSWTURBO_AS PlumeSafe Turbo surgical smoke evacuators are small-sized smoke suctioning systems that are known for their portability. Their compact shape keeps them light in weight and, therefore, makes it easy for the surgical team to move the system from one operating room to another depending upon its need. The system is turbo-powered, that indicates that it can clear heavy smoke as well.
Moreover, these ConMed PSWTURBO_AS PlumeSafe Turbo surgical smoke evacuators also come with an interactive LCD that allows setting up of the features with ease, owing to its user-friendly interface. In addition, the device also has a filter tracking technology that checks and notifies about the condition of the filter.
ConMed PPS604 Buffalo Filter Porta PlumeSafe 604 Surgical Smoke Evacuator EACH
Product Details
ConMed PPS604 Buffalo Filter Porta PlumeSafe 604 surgical smoke evacuators are lightweight systems that are easy to carry and, therefore, one of the portable smoke suction machines in the market. Their compact size facilitates their placement on a small surface, i.e., on a tabletop, etc.
As for the flow, the suction power of these ConMed PPS604 Buffalo Filter Porta PlumeSafe 604 surgical smoke evacuators can be adjusted with an increment of 10%. This suction power, filter life, as well as other factors, are displayed on a user-friendly LCD attached to the system.
In this regard, the filter tracking technology checks the state of the filters and indicates whenever a replacement is needed. Furthermore, filter life can also be prolonged by turning the device on and off using EZLink.
Moreover, these ConMed PPS604 Buffalo Filter Porta PlumeSafe 604 surgical smoke evacuators do not generate loud noise during their operation and allow the patient to relax. Owing to their numerous benefits, these systems are employed in non-acute care facilities as well as in veterinary units.
ConMed Buffalo Filter VisiClear Surgical Smoke Evacuator EACH
Product Details
ConMed Buffalo Filter VisiClear surgical smoke evacuators are all-in-one products used for the management of surgical smoke. The system comes with advanced features like the Safeport technology and filter life-tracking system that indicate the healthcare staff whenever there is a need for replacement. In addition, the occlusion warning feature alerts the healthcare team if the device is malfunctioning.
Moreover, owing to the one-touch programmable procedure mode, these ConMed Buffalo Filter VisiClear surgical smoke evacuators can be used for open tubing, laparoscopic procedures, as well as an electrosurgical pencil.
The device is highly effective when it comes to managing particulate matter, smoke odor, surgical plumes, as well as other hazardous substances such as infectious agents. Furthermore, these ConMed Buffalo Filter VisiClear surgical smoke evacuators offer a flow rate of 30 cfm or 839 lpm flow rate along with 150 mmHg vacuum static suctioning.
Buffalo Filter ViroVac Surgical Smoke Evacuator EACH
Product Details
Buffalo Filter ViroVac surgical smoke evacuators are smoke suctioning systems that are considered ideal for laser surgeries. Their simple design and smaller size allow their movement from one place to another. The operation of the system is quiet and, therefore, does not disturb the patient. The button design LED display eases navigation.
Additionally, these Buffalo Filter ViroVac surgical smoke evacuators have a unique 3-port filter that facilitates the attachment of the system with tube sets or other accessories. For added safety, the covered filter ports are affixed to the device. Based on the filter life, the device can be used for up to 35 hours.
Laser surgeries are one of the procedures that generate surgical smoke
The products linked in the article, while learning about smoke suction machines, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of surgical products.
Conclusion
The production of surgical smoke is inevitable during certain surgical procedures, which involve cutting or coagulating body tissues. Being composed of toxic chemicals and microbes, this smoke causes both short and long-term side effects, including chronic respiratory disorders and even cancer.
As a preventive tool, smoke suction machines are employed for sucking and filtering this surgical smoke, leading to an improved air quality of the operating room. These systems are generally portable and easy to use. Most smoke suction machines also indicate to the healthcare team when there is a need to change the filters. Overall, the products are considered necessary for maintaining a healthy work environment.
Considering their importance, smoke suction machines should be kept in healthcare facilities to ensure the safety of patients as well as healthcare providers. For purchasing different kinds of medical devices, including smoke suction machines, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
