A mains electricity (AC-powered) assembly of devices intended to capture smoke generated during open surgical procedures involving tissue ablation (e.g., laser surgery, electrocautery, electrosurgical diathermy device). It captures the plume (smoke composed of carbonized cell fragments, water vapour, and hydrocarbons from vaporized tissue) near its origin before it becomes dispersed and causes surgical staff respiratory exposure. It consists of a capture tube or wand and four elements to evacuate smoke: user interface, filters, suction source, and exhaust. The system may be mobile (on wheels) and used during closed surgical procedures (e.g., endoscopy, laparoscopy) to clear the view. See also: Gas/fume evacuation system; Anaesthetic gas scavenging unit; Suction system filter, plume particulate; Orthopaedic cement fume evacuator; Surgical plume evacuation system tube
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