BUFFALO FILTER®
Smoke Evacuation Systems – Rev G
1.1
Introduction
T
he BUFFALO FILTER PlumeSafe Smoke
Evacuation Systems are designed to remove
smoke and noxious odors produced by surgical
smoke during laser and electrosurgical procedures.
The PlumeSafe Smoke Evacuation Systems have
been designed with a high suction, high flow rate
centrifugal action pump. The ultra-quiet motor is
used to draw the surgical smoke from the surgical
site through the vacuum tubing and into the
ViroSafe
filter where the surgical smoke is
processed by a series of filters. A single
disposable filter is used to simplify the installation
and removal during filter changes. The filter is
completely enclosed to protect the healthcare
personnel from potential contamination during
filter changes. One Buffalo Filter ViroSafe filter
contains four different stages within to
decontaminate the smoke plume.
The first stage filtration is a prefilter whose
function is to trap and remove gross particulate
and casual fluid.
The second stage filtration is a VSLI (Very Large
Scale Integrated) grade ULPA (Ultra Low
Penetration Air) filter whose high-tech patented
(U.S. Patent #5874052) design captures
particulates and micro-organisms down to 0.012
µm at an efficiency of 99.99995%. Each VLSI
grade ULPA filter is pretested and certified before
use.
The third stage filtration uses the highest grade
virgin activated carbon, especially designed for
Buffalo Filter for the removal and adsorption of
odors and toxic gases produced by burning tissues.
These harmful gases may constitute a health
hazard to healthcare professionals who are
subjected to prolonged exposure. The activated
carbon used in the PlumeSafe Smoke Evacuation
Systems preferentially removes toxic organic
gases rather than water vapor and provides optimal
odor removal.
The fourth stage filtration is an expanded foam
and paper media used to trap activated carbon
fines from migrating out of the filter.
The electronic controls on the face panel of the
PlumeSafe smoke evacuation system has been
designed “user friendly” and facilitate unit set up
and operation. Please refer to Section 2.0 for
Operating Instructions.
1.2
Inspection
The PlumeSafe Smoke Evacuator has been
thoroughly tested and inspected before shipment
from the factory. Please check the unit before
using it to insure that no damage has occurred in
transit. If damage is evident, please contact
BUFFALO FILTER Customer Service at 1-800-
343-2324 (US Only) or (716) 835-7000
(International)
In addition, please compare the accessories you
receive with the standard accessories list below. If
an item is missing, please notify BUFFALO
FILTER Customer Service.
Standard Accessories:
•
Operator’s Manual
•
Power Cord
Please contact BUFFALO FILTER Customer
Service to purchase the following accessories:
•
Replacement Filters
•
Electronic or Pneumatic Footswitches
•
Remote Switch Activator
•
Hoses, Tubing, Laparoscopic Kits, Adapters,
Wands & Other Accessories
System Description
Section 1.0
1-1