AB080. SOH25_AB_190. Simulated surgical smoke: developing and deploying a reliable model
Scientific Session

AB080. SOH25_AB_190. Simulated surgical smoke: developing and deploying a reliable model

Patrick Boland1, Philip McEntee1, Alice Moynihan1, Kevin Nolan2, Ronan Ambrose Cahill1,3

1Centre for Precision Surgery, School of Medicine, Catherine McAuley Education & Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; 2School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; 3Department of Colorectal Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Background: Surgical smoke leakage during laparoscopy exposes theatre staff to noxious aerosols, carcinogens, viruses and other contaminants. A reliable model of simulated smoke production is necessary to test leak mitigation efforts. This study reports the development of a novel, high-fidelity laparoscopic smoke model with innovative imaging methods applicable to theatre settings. It also assesses the ability of commercial laparoscopic trocars and smoke evacuation methods to mitigate gas leaks.

Methods: Using porcine cadavers, two potential smoke production methods were tested; tissue cautery and a commercial smoke machine, as were multiple detection methods; schlieren imaging, laser videography, intraperitoneal video recording, and aerosol detectors. Once established, the smoke production method was used to assess the ability of laparoscopic trocars (VersaOneTM, Medtronic, Ireland) and smoke evacuation systems (EVA15 smart insufflator and evacuator, Palliare, PlumePort Activ® Smoke Filtration Device and ValleylabTM Smoke Evacuation System) to mitigate leaks. Three surgeons independently analysed the performance of these products, using an objective grading system.

Results: The smoke machine method of production was most reproducible and reliable in comparison to tissue cautery, while schlieren imaging, laser videography and intraperitoneal video recording were all effective detection methods. The EVA15 outperformed other smoke systems in clearing surgical smoke from the operative field and in reducing trocar leaks during instrumentation. The VersaOneTM trocars had no leakage unless instruments were introduced.

Conclusions: This is novel and effective method of simulated surgical smoke production which may be utilised in future testing of laparoscopic equipment for smoke management. This study also highlights the safety benefits of smart insufflators.

Keywords: Laparoscopy; occupational health; simulation; smart insufflators; surgical smoke

Acknowledgments

None.

Footnote

Funding: None.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

doi: 10.21037/map-25-ab080
Cite this abstract as: Boland P, McEntee P, Moynihan A, Nolan K, Cahill RA. AB080. SOH25_AB_190. Simulated surgical smoke: developing and deploying a reliable model. Mesentery Peritoneum 2025;9:AB080.

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