Avoiding the Hazards of Surgical Smoke

Avoiding the Hazards of Surgical Smoke is organized by Pfiedler Education.

Description
Smoke plume generated from the use of energy-generating equipment has been found to contain toxic gases and vapors, as well as bioaerosols and viruses. In high concentrations, this smoke can cause adverse health conditions for patients and healthcare personnel. Therefore, perioperative personnel must be aware of the hazards of surgical smoke, as well as the need to minimize the exposure to smoke plume.The purpose of this continuing education activity is to explain the hazards inherent to exposure of surgical smoke and plume, and measures that can be taken to minimize this hazard. The biological, chemical and particulate matter contained in surgical smoke is described and the potential adverse effects of exposure to these contaminants are outlined. The types of masks to protect personnel from smoke and plume inhalation and smoke evacuation systems available to remove surgical smoke and aerosol from the operating room (OR) environment are described, along with suggestions for proper use.Regulations and recommendations from various agencies and professional associations that relate to the use of smoke evacuation systems are reviewed. Finally, key factors in the evaluation and selection of a smoke evacuation system are explored.