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Article: Smoke plume evacuation; antibiotic prophylaxis; alcohol's effect on infection; misuse of prophylactic techniques.(Evidence For Practice)
- Article from:
- AORN Journal
- Article date:
- April 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Suction versus standard clearance of smoke plume
British Journal of Surgery November 2003
The use of an electrosurgical/diathermy unit or laser during surgical procedures results in a smoke byproduct from the thermal destruction of tissue. This smoke plume is an occupational hazard for perioperative personnel because it can contain
* toxic gases and vapors, such as benzene, hydrogen cyanide, and formaldehyde;
* bioaerosols;
* dead and live cellular material, including blood fragments; and
* viruses.