Whilst the introduction of lasers in laryngeal surgery has enabled major evolutions in surgical techniques, the control of the smoke plume has historically been a challenge. To solve this problem surgeons at The Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Single Use Surgical (SUSL) have developed a simple, efficient way to evacuate surgical smoke.
A cleverly designed clip allows the attachment of a single-use suction tube to a laryngoscope for continuous smoke evacuation.
Mr Jabreel, Consultant ENT Surgeon and Mr Manickavasagam ENT Registrar wanted to incorporate a single-use suction to overcome the decontamination issues associated with laryngoscopes that incorporate a narrow channel for suction. Plus the suction tube and clip device is much slimmer to maximize space in the laryngoscope.
Additionally the clip permits easy adjustment of the position of the suction at both the distal and proximal end of the laryngoscope. Consequently the suction can be placed flush with the base of the laryngoscope; this enables the removal of smoke much closer to the point of production, which further improves the surgeon’s visualization of the surgical field.
Clearer vision is not the only benefit of evacuation near to the source; it may also offer protection against the health risks of smoke plume inhalation. Although there is no proven association between the intake of surgical smoke and health implications, equally there is no firm evidence that it is safe to inhale the fumes. Until there is clear consensus on the risks, literature suggests that the best protection for the patient and operating team may be offered by evacuation devices placed close to the point of smoke generation (Alp et al., 2006; McCormick, 2008).
Designed with an expandable slit – compatible with SUSL’s complete range of suctions for scopes – this novel device gives the surgeon flexibility to change the length and lumen to suit the laryngoscope and procedure. Furthermore it allows easy detachment of the suction tube for targeted suction in the instance of bleeding.
Mr Manickavasagam will be presenting his poster on this invention, titled ‘Novel Suction Holder Clips for Endolaryngeal Laser Surgery’ at the British Academic Conference of Otolaryngolists (BACO) in July and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) annual conference in September.
For information about trialling this innovative device, contact Single Use Surgical +44 (0)1226 732 333 / info@susl.co.uk