Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful handpiece for use in connection with a orbicularly tipped contact surgical laser. The handpiece has a handle portion and an extended portion. The handle portion is sized for comfortable handling and is of sufficient strength to accommodate the stresses incident to use in rigorous applications such as orthopedic surgery. The extended portion is connected to the handle portion, and is sized so as to be inserted into the surgical site. The extended portion of the handpiece is adapted to enclose and support the orbicular tip of the optical fiber.

Abstract: In a single portable housing a system for evacuating a laser plume from a surgical site. The system extracts the laser plume from the surgery site through a primary inlet tube supported on an articulated arm. A suction canister communicating with the primary inlet tube removes liquid contaminants from the laser plume and is connected by a secondary inlet tube to a primary filter canister in which is located a primary filter comprised of activated carbon granules. Also disposed in the primary filter canister upstream on the pathway followed by the laser plume through the system is a disposable prefilter disc. In combination with the primary filter the prefilter disc removes substantially all of the particulate contaminants and odor in the laser plume. Downstream from the primary filter canister is a fan for advancing the laser plume through the system.

Abstract: A system for filtering the harmful particulates and liquids from a laser plume formed during surgical procedures. The laser plume may be passed through a suction canister to remove a liquid component from the laser plume. Thereafter, the laser plume is passed through a filter containing granular activated charcoal and a pleated filter to remove substantially all toxic elements and particulate matter in the laser plume. The system is self-contained and is configured such that the air from the laser plume is not cross-contaminated with either the ambient air in the room or the cooling air of the vacuum motor. The system also contains a pressure differential measuring device for indicating to the medical personnel when the filter of the present invention needs to be changed. Because of the unique configuration of the present invention, it is capable of running at increased suction levels while running at reduced noise levels as compared with conventional systems of this nature.