Abstract: A clip-on attachment for a surgical instrument of the type having a handle which supports an electrode and switches for selectively applying high frequency electrical energy to the electrode acts to withdraw smoke, fumes or other fluids that may be produced in the region of of the electrode by contact with living tissue. The attachment includes an elongate tube which extends along the instrument handle and which preferably has a helically curved forward end that makes a partial turn around the forward end of the handle. A length of flexible tubing connecting with a source of low pressure is threaded through the tube to extend from the front end of the tube towards the electrode. Resilient clamps on the tube clasp the instrument handle while enabling axial sliding movement and partial rotation of the attachment around the instrument handle to enable repositioning of the flow intake under different operating conditions.