I have a facility that does not have in wall suction.  They sent the following request:  Currently we have one anesthesia machine with passive evacuation and I was first told that as long as the OR’s have a wall to the outside we can stay with passive evacuation. Passive evac is basically a closed tube from the machine to the outside with no power assistance. However, now I am being told that we must have some kind of active evacuation and I’m looking for what device or method can be used in the two OR’s to provide the evacuation without having wall suction.

Both of our anesthesia machines will be GE Aestiva 5 machines, but we want the flexibility in the future to have newer machines (which I am told require some kind of active assisted evacuation).

Wanted to know if anyone has a Venturi system and can make any system recommendations??  Thanks  David Meek

5.1.3.8* Waste Anesthetic Gas Disposal (WAGD).

5.1.3.8.1* Sources. WAGD sources shall be chosen in consultation with the medical staff having knowledge of the requirements to determine the type of system, number and placement of terminals, and other required safety and operating devices.

5.1.3.8.1.1  WAGD shall be permitted to be produced through the medical–surgical vacuum source, by a dedicated producer, or by venturi.

5.1.3.8.1.7  If WAGD is produced by a venturi, the following shall apply: 

(1) The venturi shall not be user-adjustable (i.e., require the use of special tools).

(2) The venturi shall be driven using water, inert gas, instrument air, or other dedicated air source.

(3) Medical air shall not be used to power the venture. 

 Yes to my knowledge GE is changing all their anesthesia machines to only except active waste gas systems.  If they bought another brand they still make passive systems. 

 You could consider individual small vacuum pumps, example Gomco for each machine. 

Great.  Good luck with it!