Efficiencies and noise levels of portable surgical smoke evacuation systems. Issue 11 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seipp, Hans-Martin; Steffens, Thomas; Weigold, Janine; Lahmer, Armin; Maier-Hasselmann, Andreas; Herzog, Torsten; Herzog-Niescery, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene. Volume 15:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: 773
• Page End: 781
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: Electrocauterization -- healthcare workers -- local exhaust ventilation -- occupational exposure -- surgical smoke; Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Occupational Health -- Periodicals; Environmental Exposure -- Periodicals; Environmental Health -- Periodicals; Occupational Exposure -- Periodicals; Hygiène industrielle -- Périodiques; Hygiène du milieu -- Périodiques; Médecine du travail -- Périodiques; 613.62
• DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2018.1513134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-9624

Abstract

Abstract: Surgical smoke resulting from electrocauterization is a health risk for operating room personnel. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends the use of local exhaust ventilation such as a portable smoke evacuation system to reduce surgical smoke, but its efficiency has never been assessed under experimental conditions. In this study, particle filtration efficiencies of five commercially available smoke evacuation systems were investigated in a model operating room. Two cutting angles, the devices' suction capacities, three unidirectional displacement flow rates, and the noise exposures were considered. Results demonstrated that portable smoke evacuation systems reduce surgical smoke up to 99% under optimal conditions. A cutting angle of 45°, the device's maximum suction capacity, and a unidirectional displacement flow rate of 10, 500 m³/hr were advantageous. Sound levels ranged between 51–69 dBA and exceeded recommended threshold limits, if used with medium or maximum suction capacity. Hence, portable smoke evacuation systems are beneficial and are recommended. However, a combination with general unidirectional room ventilation and a strict limitation of the use of electrocauterization is strongly advised.