Catalytic Surgical Smoke Filtration Unit Reduces Formaldehyde Levels in a Simulated Operating Room Environment | Aerobiotix
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Catalytic Surgical Smoke Filtration Unit Reduces Formaldehyde Levels in a Simulated Operating Room Environment

Gregory T. Carroll* and David L. Kirschman

ABSTRACT:

Electrosurgery and procedures that utilize formalin expose healthcare workers to formaldehyde. Incorporating catalytic materials into air-purifying devices has the potential to reduce formaldehyde levels in nosocomial settings. A catalytic transition metal oxide was interfaced with a portable negative pressure (PNP) unit in a simulated operating room (OR) polluted with formaldehyde by exposure to formalin and by applying electrosurgical cuts to porcine muscle. The formaldehyde levels decayed biexponentially when the PNP unit was equipped with a catalyst. When the PNP unit was off, the time-weighted average concentration of formaldehyde detected in the perimeter of the OR during simulated electrosurgery was 0.45 (0.21) ppm. When the PNP unit was on, the time-weighted average concentration reduced to 0.15 (0.08) ppm. The device has the potential to considerably reduce formaldehyde levels in OR environments.

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ACS Publications: Catalytic Surgical Smoke Filtration Unit Reduces Formaldehyde Levels in a Simulated Operating Room Environment

Catalytic Surgical Smoke Filtration Unit Reduces Formaldehyde Levels in a Simulated Operating Room Environment

JASON-TODD-VP-SALES-AEROBIOTIX

JASON TODD

Sr. Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing

Jason leads our global sales team and brings over 18 years of Medical Device experience to Aerobiotix. Jason has led top performing National and Regional Sales teams, selling disruptive technology in the Cardiovascular space with Getinge, Surgical Robotics at Hansen Medical and most recently in the Biologics space with Axogen. Jason received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Indianapolis.

MELISSA-GIETZEN-VP-GLOBAL-MARKETING-AEROBIOTIX

MELISSA GIETZEN, MBA

Vice President of Global Marketing

Melissa Gietzen, MBA is a highly skilled strategic marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. She has significant expertise in strategic planning, capital budgeting, service improvement projects, and creating strong successful brands in the orthopedic, cardiac & ophthalmology markets. Melissa holds a undergraduate degree in Management and Organization Development and a masters degree in Business Administration.

DAVID KIRSCHMAN, M.D. President and CEO

DAVID KIRSCHMAN, M.D.

President and CEO

The founder and CEO is David Kirschman, M.D., a former physician with extensive experience as CEO, Director, Chief Scientific Officer and operator in the orthopedic and biologic medical device space. Dr. Kirschman holds 55 issued US Patents for a wide range of medical devices. He received his BS in Biological Science cum laude from Colorado State University and M.D. from University of Colorado School of Medicine.

GREGORY CARROLL PH.D. Director Scientific Affairs

GREGORY CARROLL PH.D.

Director Scientific Affairs

Dr. Carroll has extensive experience in ultraviolet and photonic science. Prior to joining Aerobiotix, he led the research and development group at Sunstar Engineering. He has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University and did his postdoctoral fellowship under Nobel laureate Prof. Ben Feringa at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

TONY EMBREE Chief Commercial Officer

TONY EMBREE

Chief Commercial Officer

Tony leads our global sales organization and commercialization strategy. Prior joining Aerobiotix, he was Senior Manager of Strategy at Stryker. He has led sales and marketing teams in multiple organizations including SurgiCount Medical, part of Patient Safety Technologies, INC (PSTX) as it expanded from 8 hospitals in 2008 to user base of 330 hospitals at time of acquisition in 2013.

COURTNEY ADAMS, Ph.D. VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs

COURTNEY ADAMS, Ph.D.

VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs

Dr. Adams leads our global clinical research and education initiatives as well as developing key opinion leaders to support our clinical mission. Prior to joining Aerobiotix, she held leading research and medical affairs roles at Biogen, Axogen, and MedPace. Dr. Adams holds Ph.D. in Pharmacology from University of Cincinnati.

ANTHONY DEFALCO Vice President of Engineering

ANTHONY DEFALCO

Vice President of Engineering

Anthony is a topflight medical device product development engineer and leader, experienced in the development and implementation of orthopedic, environmental, and electromechanical systems.

NATHAN UTZ Vice President of Client Services

NATHAN UTZ

Vice President of Strategic Accounts

Nathan brings a high level of commitment to servicing and building client relations. Nathan has previously held leadership roles in the medical device industry.

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MICHAEL SCHMITZ Chief Financial Officer

MICHAEL SCHMITZ

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Schmitz is a highly experienced financial practitioner with financial leadership roles in diverse industries including manufacturing and technology as well as a background in public accounting. He received his BS in accounting, cum laude, from the Miami University of Ohio. Mr. Schmitz is a certified public accountant and certified management accountant.