Abstract: An exhaust system, including a hand-held exhaust wand is employed to remove laser smoke plumes generated at a surgical site. The wand includes a transparent cylindrical shroud containing a conical filter that diverges in the proximal direction. An adapter, removably coupled to the shroud at its proximal end, enables coupling of the wand to standard vacuum tubing, connectors and other components for exhausting air that flows through the wand. The wand is positioned with its distal end confronting the surgical site, whereby plumes and odor generated at the site are immediately drawn into the wand through its distal opening. As air passes through the filter toward a proximal opening of the wand, the conical filter traps the airborne contaminants to protect against contamination of downstream components. The removable coupling of the shroud enables convenient exchange of the filter.