Surgical smoke scavenging system smokeSTAR

Health protection in the work place is of great importance. In times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the discussion about aerosols in the indoor air, health protection is becoming even more important. Already in 2007 the Robert-Koch-Institute pointed out the danger of surgical smoke. The high energies in ultrasound, high frequency, radiofrequency and laser surgery cause toxic reactions, which are a very serious health hazard. On the basis of international scientific studies several countries have already passed corresponding legislation making localized smoke evacuation systems with high-performance filters mandatory for the protection of the surgeon and the assisting team. Protective legislation is currently in preparation in many other countries Cutting and coagulation – depending on the method and unit – set free different sizes of particles from 0.07 to 200 μm. 41 different chemical substances have been identified in smoke – some of which are highly toxic. Standard surgical masks filter particles in the 0.6 to 5 μm range only. However, the average particle size of viruses is 0.015 to 0.2 μm. In addition to this, up to 25% of the breathing volume is able to bypass the surgical mask. In toxicological studies not only erythrocytes and living cell material but also biological contaminants as viruses, bacteria, mycobacteria and fungi were found. Also viral and HIV DNA was discovered. Scientists stated, that as many harmful toxins can be inhaled in one day in the operating room, as the known unhealthy smoke of a pack of cigarettes! Daily protection from infections and diseases caused by toxic substances – for the sake of your health.