Plume management, smoke evacuation or site specific air purification in the operating room environment continues to be an emerging concern. 

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, laser clinicians and researchers became concerned about the potential dangers of breathing smoke or "plume" generated during laser surgery.   Numerous articles began to appear that documented the contents of laser plume.   These articles addressed the transmission of dangerous chemical contaminants, viruses, bacteria and viable cells in laser plume.  As this documentation reached the market place, concern grew and hospitals owning lasers began to also purchase smoke evacuators to remove the plume generated during laser surgery.

 - Hazards of Surgical Smoke
 - Adverse Clinical Effects
 - Generation of Surgical Smoke

It is now understood that Electrosurgical Units (ESU's) create plume as toxic as plume generated from lasers.  Numerous organizations have recommended the use of smoke evacuators during laser and ESU procedures.  These organizations include NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Heath), ANSI (American National Standard Institute) and AORN (Association of Operating Room Nurses).

Smoke Evacuation and Filtration 
Recommendations by National Organizations

For further information on the hazards of surgical plume, current studies, updates on OSHA/NIOSH guidelines and/or mandates, please see our LINKS page.   Here you will find links to important sources of information and useful articles and publications available on surgical plume.

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