The Leiden scavenging system: A simple and versatile apparatus to control air pollution in operating rooms

A scavenging system which can be attached to a variety of anaesthetic machines and ventilators is described. Gas venting can occur via a central vacuum system, a suitable injector, fan or pump, through the exhaust duct of an air-conditioning system, or by a passive system. The resistance and back pressures applied to the anaesthetic apparatus are negligible. Leakage tests showed that the collected gases and vapours were substantially removed by the scavenging device.