New Device Minimizes Hazards of Surgical Smoke

A novel evacuation device allows surgeons to provide comfortable and precise electrosurgery while minimizing the hazards of inhaling surgical smoke.

The ZIP Pen Smoke Evacuation Pencil offers surgeons three ergonomic grip options (based upon their personal preferences), to provide significantly less torque on the rear of the pencil. The first option is the Trigger grip method, wherein the ZIP Pen tubing becomes part of the hand, eliminating all torque; the second is the Over-the-Hand grip method, which reduces torque by draping the tubing over the surgeon’s thumb or back of the hand; and the third method is the Traditional grip method, in which the tubing can be kept in the full upright position to emulate a traditional pencil.


Features of the device include large activation buttons for ease of use, full 360 degree swivel capabilities for maximum procedural flexibility, and a safety grip for comfort and control. A tactile indication provides positive and instant feedback for activation and deactivation of electrosurgical energy. The ZIP Pen also features patented coated electrode technology that reduces eschar buildup during surgery. The ZIP Pen Smoke Evacuation Pencil is a product of Megadyne Medical Products (Draper, UT, USA).

“The hazards of surgical smoke in the OR are real, and sadly, the OR staff is often exposed to more hours of surgical smoke than surgeons,” said Jill Skoczen, marketing manager at Megadyne. “By offering a highly ergonomic and efficient smoke evacuation pencil, we believe surgeons will more easily adopt this technology.”

Surgical smoke has been proven to contain 600 distinct chemical compounds, including toxins and carcinogens with mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Studies have shown that inhaling one gram of surgical smoke contains the same toxin levels as smoking six unfiltered cigarettes.

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