What Causes Surgical Smoke

Surgical smoke is the gaseous by-product produced when tissue is dissected or cauterized by heat generating devices such as lasers, electrosurgical units, ultrasonic devices, and high speed burrs, drills and saws. Among these devices, the most common sources are electrocautery ablation and laser ablation 12, 13.

What creates surgical smoke?

Overview. Surgical smoke is produced by the thermal destruction of tissue by use of lasers or electrosurgical devices.

How do you prevent surgical plumes?

1. fit-tested respiratory protection, eg minimum of an approved P2/N95 disposable respirator.
2. face shields and eye protection.
3. gowns and other standard surgical wear such as foot covers and gloves.