Buffalo Filter, a manufacturer of surgical smoke evacuation equipment, introduced its patent-pending RFID (radio frequency identification) technology into its NEW PlumeSafe Turbo Auto-Sense Smoke Evacuation System. First introduced in 2004, Buffalo Filter was the only medical device manufacturer to put this two way integration of this technology into a Class II medical device. This revolutionary technology provides constant communication tracking and control between the filter and the smoke evacuation system. Pioneering RFID technology is built into each ViroSafe filter. 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.).

The addition of RFID 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 Whisper Turbo 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.

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.

Additionally, Buffalo Filter’s new RFID microchip technology ensures compatibility with all electrical environments, including Isolation Transformer hospital circuits. This new technology provides a world-wide operational platform that accommodates a wide range of voltage from 100V to 240V, 50 or 60 Hz frequency.

Other PlumeSafe smoke evacuation systems will become available with the new technology in the future.