AEROSOL EXPOSURE FROM AN ULTRASONICALLY ACTIVATED (HARMONIC) DEVICE

Study Objective. To determine the distribution and concentration of ae rosol particles ca used by an ultrasonic (Har monic) scalpel during si mulated surgical use. Design. Prospective experimental analysis (Canad ian Task Force classification II-1). Setting, Standard operating room. Materials, Lean pork, lean beef, water and blood, and the Harmonic sc alpel with ball, curved scalpel, and cutting tips. Interventions. Real -time sampling of airborne aerosols was performed over 6-second sampli ng periods. Measurements and Main Results, Blood and tissue particles increased significantly during use of the Harmonic scalpel. Local exha ust evacuation methods diminished these concentrations. Conclusions. T he Harmonic scalpel causes formation of bioaerosols that are composed of material oi respirable size. When this device is used, a local exha ust system or smoke-evacuation method should be activated to reduce ex posure to blood, blood by-products, and potentially infectious materia ls.