Abstract: A ventilation system (10) ventilates surrounding waste gases or bio-contaminants and the like exhaled from a patient or dissipated nearby in the vicinity of the face of the patient. The system generally comprises an envelope (20) having breathable surface portions (40) for collecting gases therethrough into a hollow interior (28) of the envelope. A suction port (30) coupled to the envelope collects the gases from the hollow interior for removal by a suction device (16). The use of an envelope having breathable surface portions which is at least partly flexible permits the system to be readily applied to a patient by simply placing the envelope under the head of the patient like a pillow.

Abstract: A downdraft system is used for withdrawing and collecting medical gases, fumes, mists and particulates from the vicinity of a patient's face. Two intakes are located on respective sides of the patient's face, at the cheeks. The intakes extend from temple to chin. They are connected through a ducting system to a source of vacuum for collecting the medical gases. The ducting system is configured to allow the adjustment of the intake positions. The intakes create a flow of air across the patient's face from above the nose to below the mouth so that gases leaking during administration of gases or exhaled by the patient, and fumes, mists or low velocity particulates generated, for example, in orthodontic procedures are captured in the flow across the patient's face into the intakes.