Finally, the Buffalo Filter smoke evacuator tubing is connected to 2 heat moisture exchange (HME) filters and placed under the drape to provide further air filtration (Figs. 3 and 4 ). The reason for the multifilter system is to attempt maximum efficiency in filtering viral particles. According to the respective manufacturers, Buffalo Filter has 4 stages of filtration that reportedly ensure 99.999% efficiency, down to 0.1 to 0.2 microns, and HME filters provide bacterial and viral filtration exceeding 99.9%.
Figure 3 Buffalo Filter smoke evacuator tubing connected to 2 heat moisture exchange filters and placed under the drape to provide further air filtration.
Figure 4 Two heat moisture exchange filters connected in series to the Buffalo Filter smoke evacuator.