An assembly of devices designed to evacuate large volumes of gas, liquid, tissue and/or other debris from a surgical site by means of suction during surgical procedures. It generally consists of a mains electricity (AC-powered) suction pump, a regulator and gauge, one or more collection canisters, plastic tubes connecting the components to each other, and an overflow protection and/or bacteria filter. The vacuum capability should be at least 400 mm Hg; free flow rates may be as high as 35 litter/min. The system is mainly used when suction from a central vacuum system is not available or appropriate.