Abstract: An end effector for efficiently removing the gaseous byproducts of laser surgery from a surgical site is provided. The end effector includes a flexible hose and a pliable vacuum head adhesively attachable in airtight relationship around a surgical site. The vacuum head includes a generally annular plenum for drawing plumes away from the surgical site from around a 360.degree. arc. A porous plenum support prevents the flexible plenum from collapsing in the presence of a vacuum, and diffuses the vacuum around the entire periphery of the plenum.