Project # 145
Surgical Smoke Evacuator Pen

Team Lead:	Andrew Hackshaw
Other Team Members:	Ivan Ramirez \| Preston Hoang \| Shashishka K C
Faculty Advisor(s):	Dr. Jun Liao and Stephen Van Noy
Department:	BE
Project Type:	Senior Design
Title:	Surgical Smoke Evacuator Pen
Abstract:	On January 1, 2026, law SB 490 came into effect. SB 490 requires hospitals and surgery centers to implement a surgical smoke evacuation system. These smoke evacuation systems are put into place to protect patients and health care providers from harmful smoke caused by electrocautery tools. However, these tools are very uncomfortable for surgeons to use and cause a loud, piercing noise that distracts healthcare professionals. Many surgeons complain about the pencil’s attachment point to the tubing, which causes a pulling sensation when in use. Surgeons also complain about a piercing noise created by the tubing as the pencil is left on throughout the duration of an operation. Our solution is to create a more ergonomically friendly, quieter electrocautery pencil that can be used for surgeries. The pen will include an increased lumen size for more airflow as well as quieter suction. The pen will also include a ball/socket swivel that will greatly reduce the torque on the pen caused by the tubing, making it easier to use.
Poster:	View Poster #145 (PDF)
Judges Scoring:	Submit Evaluation (judges only)

Project # 145Surgical Smoke Evacuator Pen