Equine upper airway laser surgery generates plumes containing hazardous components

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Laser Technology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Diode laser surgery is increasingly used in equine upper airway procedures.
• Surgical plumes generated during laser procedures may pose health risks to personnel.
• Limited data exists on the specific composition of plumes from equine laser surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the composition of surgical plumes generated during simulated diode laser surgery on equine upper airways.
• To quantify particulate matter (PM2.5), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the plumes.

Main Methods:

• A 980-nm diode laser was used on laryngeal and pharyngeal tissues of 6 equine cadaver heads.
• Resultant plumes were collected and analyzed for PM2.5, OC, EC, and VOCs.
• Measurements were compared to control samples.

Main Results:

• Visible smoke was produced, with high mean PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 5 mg/m3.
• Organic carbon concentrations were significantly higher than elemental carbon (median OC/EC ratio of 422).
• Fifty-five VOCs were identified, including carcinogenic benzene and toluene.

Conclusions:

• Surgical plumes from equine diode laser surgery contain high levels of harmful PM2.5, exceeding OSHA standards.
• The plumes contain VOCs, including known carcinogens.
• Mitigation strategies are necessary to protect personnel from exposure.