During endoscopic procedures using a laser for palliation of symptoms caused by advanced upper and lower GI cancers (obstruction, pain, bleeding), the thermal destruction of neoplastic tissue creates smoke plumes, which contain toxic gases and vapors, cellular material (blood), and viruses. These plumes can cause ocular and respiratory irritation to the operator, the patient and the whole endoscopy team assisting with the procedure.

Plumes generated by endoscopic laser procedures can be controlled with a combination of general room and local ventilation. General room ventilation alone is not sufficient to capture all contaminants generated at the source.

Portable smoke evacuators with a suction unit and a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, can be connected to the endoscopes and reduce significantly the emission of airborne contaminants.

For years we have struggled with confining laser smoke plumes during these procedures, especially when prolonged and complex, requiring additional time and repeated sessions. We are now using the CIMPAX 750 C-PURE system, and we are really pleased with the efficiency and results obtained in controlling the generated smoke from our endoscopic laser procedures.

In addition, the unit has a small footprint, is silent and easy to use and intuitive.

-Dr Sergio Coda MD PhD
Consultant Specialist Endoscopist & Director of Bowel Cancer Screening
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust