BOWA SHE SHA Smoke Evacuator: How the System Works

What the SHE SHA does

SHE SHA is a surgical smoke evacuation system intended to keep operating-theatre air clean by removing the plume where it is produced. Smoke from electrosurgery, lasers and ultrasonic devices contains particles and vapours that staff should not breathe; for background see our overview of surgical smoke hazards.

The unit is compact: 15 × 28 × 39.5 cm (H × W × D) and 4.4 kg, or 5.5 kg with the filter fitted. That makes it easy to place on a trolley, shelf or generator stack without dedicating floor space.

Four-stage filtration

The filter combines a pre-filter, an ULPA-15 stage, activated carbon and a post-filter. BOWA states that it captures particles down to 0.1 µm with 99.999 % efficiency. The pre-filter protects the fine filter from larger debris, while activated carbon addresses odours and gaseous components that particle filters do not retain.

The filter is detected automatically, its remaining life is shown on the display, and the manufacturer quotes a life of up to 35 hours of activation. This matters for planning: you can estimate replacement intervals from theatre use. For more on filter types and tubing see our guide to smoke evacuator filters.

• Pre-filter, ULPA-15, activated carbon and post-filter
• 99.999 % efficiency for particles down to 0.1 µm
• Automatic filter detection and remaining-life display
• Up to 35 hours of activation per filter

Airflow, noise and activation

Maximum flow is 708 l/min with a 22 mm hose, with three suction levels to match the procedure. Noise is stated as a maximum of 55 dBA, which is important in theatres where the team must communicate clearly and where an evacuator running for hours can become a distraction.

A universal sensor switches the unit on only when smoke is produced, so it works with any electrosurgical device without wiring. A footswitch allows manual activation, and with BOWA ARC generators activation can run via a connecting cable. Sensor-based activation is convenient, but verify in a demonstration that it responds reliably with the pencils and generators you actually use.

Accessories for open and laparoscopic work

The system is completed by single-use smoke evacuation handles and laparoscopy hoses. In open surgery a handle or a nozzle held near the site captures the plume; in laparoscopy a hose connects to a filtered port or the insufflation circuit. Our article on smoke evacuation in laparoscopy covers how to preserve pneumoperitoneum while clearing smoke.

When comparing systems, ask which consumables are single-use, what the replacement filter and tubing programme looks like, and how many pencil and handle options are compatible with your generators.

SHE SHA with BOWA ARC and other generators

Because the sensor is generator-independent, SHE SHA can serve alongside the ARC 400, older units from other makers, or monopolar pencils used in minor-procedure rooms. Where you also consider alternatives, such as the ATMOS MEDAP FUMOVAC 700 with 700 l/min, compare them on measurable criteria: flow at the tip, filter efficiency, noise, filter life, size and how activation is triggered.

Buying and installation notes

Plan where the unit will sit, how long the hose runs, and who changes filters. Train staff to place the nozzle within a few centimetres of the source and to replace the filter when the unit signals it. Beckfinity can supply the system and arrange installation and training; contact our specialists for a quote.