Filter Technologies

Filter Technology

Buffalo Filter's ViroSafe Filters are manufactured for all Buffalo Filter® PlumeSafe Smoke Evacuation Systems. Buffalo Filter was the first manufacturer to create a filter which contains four stages of filtration in a single housing with a integral pre-filter, special blend of activated carbon, ULPA filter and post filter. Once expired, filters are simply "red-bagged" without the need for bio-med involvement. Buffalo Filter's media is manufactured with ULPA media and is rated 0.1 micron with 99.9995% efficiency - 100 TIMES the efficiency of HEPA filter media.

ViroSafe Protection

Buffalo Filter's ViroSafe products help to protect patients and healthcare workers from dangerous smoke plume and aerosols that are generated in over 95% of all surgical procedures. Smoke plume and aerosols are airborne substances (which includes chemicals, blood, viruses, dead & live cellular material, and noxious odors) generated by thermal, ultrasonic, and power instruments. Tissue ablation during procedures using these instruments breaks down the tissue into pyrolized gases such as: Benzene, Toluene, Hydrogen Cyanide, Formaldehyde, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons,etc. Additionally, the organic chemicals found in smoke plume and aerosols have often been associated with headache, fatigue, nausea, weakness, and respiratory problems. Research has shown that the majority of these particles are within 0.3 micron, which can harbor inside the alveoli of the lung.

RFID Technology

In 2005 Buffalo Filter integrated its patent-pending RFID technology into each of its ViroSafe Filters. This revolutionary technology provides constant communication tracking and control between the filter and the smoke evacuation system. The invisible filter microchip interacts with the smoke evacuator to track and record filter life, usage history, and the product's profile (LOT #, manufacture date, type, etc.). This results in the end-user being able to utilize multiple filters interchangeably, with the following user benefits:

Ease-of-use: Operating room personnel will no longer be required to manually track filter life. Filter life is automatically displayed on the control panel of the smoke evacuator when the filter is in the basket (regardless of RFID filter model).

Cost Savings: Economical, long-life filters will be able to be purchased without having to implement an inefficient, manual system for tracking filter life.

Compliance: Filters communicate with the smoke evacuator to ensure that only filters with remaining life will operate with the system. In turn, this also eliminates waste that may result from the premature disposal of filters. This technology guarantees maximum filtration performance is consistently delivered in accordance with recommended standards and practices.

Improved Service: RFID technology is always logging filter activity and history. This allows Buffalo Filter to review filter and system performance quickly, effectively, and accurately.

Protection: RFID technology will help to ensure that the use and integrity of filters and smoke evacuators are maintained and working properly at all times.