Smoke Evacuator for Laser and LEEP: What Clinics Should Check

Why laser and LEEP plume needs attention

Laser vaporisation, LEEP loops and hyfrecator-type coagulation all heat tissue enough to produce smoke containing particles, vapours and odour. In a small room with the clinician and assistant working a few centimetres from the source, concentrations can build quickly. A general room extractor cannot remove the plume before it reaches the breathing zone, which is why source capture is recommended. Our article on surgical smoke hazards outlines the evidence and the typical protective measures.

The plume from a CO2 laser is usually finer and drier than that from a pencil, which affects the filter choice; a laser evacuator should be paired with a high-efficiency particle stage and activated carbon.

Flow and capture distance

Flow at the nozzle matters more than the headline figure of the machine. Capture drops quickly with distance, so the nozzle should be held within a few centimetres of the tissue and the evacuation activated at the same time as the energy source. A narrow nozzle concentrates suction; a wide one gives gentler capture over a larger area.

The ATMOS MEDAP FUMOVAC 700 delivers 700 l/min in continuous operation and is stated to suit HF, RF, ultrasound and laser surgery, while the BOWA SHE SHA lists a maximum flow of 708 l/min with a 22 mm hose and three suction levels. For small office use you rarely need maximum suction, but you do need stable, reproducible flow.

• Hold the nozzle a few centimetres from the plume source
• Start suction before the laser or loop activates
• Use a nozzle sized to the procedure
• Check the hose is not kinked or too long

Filters and odour

A suitable filter chain has a pre-filter, a fine particle stage and activated carbon. The SHE SHA combines pre-filter, ULPA-15, carbon and post-filter, and the FUMOVAC 700 uses a four-stage filter with life of up to 35 hours depending on the variant. Whichever model you choose, make sure the carbon stage is large enough to deal with odour, which patients notice in the waiting area. Read our filter guide to plan replacements.

Activation, ergonomics and noise

For laser work, a footswitch lets the assistant or clinician start suction exactly when needed. The SHE SHA offers a footswitch for manual activation and a sensor that starts the unit when smoke appears; the FUMOVAC 700 uses an automatic HF remote switch that starts and stops it together with the HF pencil, which is useful for LEEP and electrosurgery but not for a laser, so confirm the activation method for your device.

Noise matters in a consulting room. The SHE SHA is stated at a maximum of 55 dBA, and the FUMOVAC 700 at 55 dB(A). The FUMOVAC 700 weighs about 5.0 kg with filter, the SHE SHA 4.4 kg (5.5 kg with filter), so both are easy to move between rooms.

Choosing between the two options

The ATMOS FUMOVAC 700 suits clinics that want a very simple two-button unit that fits an HF tower. The BOWA SHE SHA suits teams that use several different energy devices and want sensor activation plus a remaining-life display for the filter. Both support laparoscopy hoses or handles through their accessory ranges; for office procedures ask which nozzles are supplied.

Practical set-up and next step

Place the unit within hose reach and away from the patient's path, train staff to position the nozzle, and log filter hours. Beckfinity can supply either system with installation and staff training; contact our specialists to request a quote for your clinic.