Surgical smoke poses risks

The destruction of human tissue by electrosurgical devices, lasers, and ultrasonic scalpels creates gaseous byproducts that are commonly referred to as surgical smoke or plume. Surgical smoke is produced by electrocautery devices and is characterised by smaller particles that pose a chemical hazard.

Plume is produced by lasers and ultrasonic scalpels and generally contains larger particles that may contain viruses and viable celles that pose a biological hazard.

Even a short exposure to laser plume during minimally invasive surgery has been reported to lead to changes in the biochemical conformation of hemoglobin in patients.

The fact that operating room personnel are chronically exposed to these substances is cause for concern.

Odor and mutagenic chemicals

Enduring the noxious odor of surgical smoke has become accepted as a routine consequence of working in a modern operating room.

However, instead of merely being regarded as unpleasant and annoying, this odor should be recognized as an indicator of the presence of chemical byproducts derived from the incineration of proteins and lipids by laser and electro-surgical instruments.

In addition to possible long term effets, these chemicals may cause headaches, as well as irritation and soreness in the eyes, nose, and throat.

Viable viruses

There are many examples of viable viruses being identified in surgical smoke produced by laser and electrocautery devices at a wide range of power settings.

Viable cells

The scientific literature documents many studies that have demonstrated that intact cells and blood components are aerosolized by lasers and ultrasonic scalpels.

The liberation of viable cells during the performance of laparoscopic surgery has been considered to be a possible cause of subsequent tumor growth at the port sites. Metastases have also been documented at port sites distant from the area of cancerous tissue removal.

Small particles

Particles in the range of 0,5 – 5 microns are considered to be “lung damaging dust” because they are able to penetrate to the deepest regions of the lungs.

In CO2 laser plume and electrocautery smoke, particles ranging in size from 0,07 to 25 microns have been observed. In animal experiments the presence of these particles cause congestive interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis and emphysema.

Poor visibility

A continually clear surgical field of view is critical to efficient surgical procedure turnover. Dessuflating the pneumoperitoneum to clear the field of view unnecessarily lengthens procedures and exposes the patient and the healthcare personnel to health risks.

The Pall Laparoshield® smoke filter allows safe and rapid evacuation fo surgical smoke throughout the surgical procedure. It minimizes the exposure of patients and staff to the harmful biological and chemical components of surgical smoke.

Unique features of the Laparoshield®

Patient and staff protection

The Laparoshield® smoke filter allows safe and rapid evacuation of surgical smoke throughout the surgical procedure, with a minimal exposure to it for patients and OR staff.

Removes chemical contamination

The Laparoshield® smoke filter contains an activated carbon absorbent that removes volatile compounds from surgical smoke and eliminates odor.

Removes particles contamination

The Laparoshield® smoke filter is a highly efficient particulate filter that retains >99.999% of particles of 0.02 microns in diameter (MS-2 virus). These particles are not retained by surgical masks.

Removes viable bacterias viruses and cells

The Laparoshield® smoke filter removes >99.999% of bacteria, viruses, and cells from surgical smoke.

Convenient to use

The Laparoshield® smoke filter attaches to the universal luer lock connector allowing for a leak-free connection to the trocar.

The Laparoshield® smoke filter is a passive filter that uses the continual flow of gas into and out of the pneumoperitoneum to eliminate surgical smoke. No additional equipment is required to use it.