Medical vacuum and waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD) systems work in the background of every OR, ICU, emergency department and procedure room. Vacuum is used for airway suction, surgical suction and drainage; WAGD removes waste anesthetic gases so clinicians aren’t exposed. This guide explains how both systems work and how to choose the right equipment.
How a medical vacuum system works
Vacuum pumps in a central plant pull a negative pressure on a receiver tank and the pipeline. When a clinician opens a suction regulator at an outlet, air and fluids are drawn toward collection canisters at the point of use, and air continues through the pipeline to the plant, where it’s exhausted outdoors.
Key components
- Vacuum pumps – multiple units sized so peak demand is met with one unit out of service
- Receiver – buffers demand and reduces pump cycling
- Controls – lead/lag alternation and automatic start of reserve pumps
- Inlet filters and drip legs – protect pumps from debris and liquid
- Exhaust – discharged outdoors away from air intakes, doors and windows
- Alarms – low vacuum and reserve pump alarms at master and area panels
- Outlets and suction regulators – at the point of care
Choosing a vacuum pump technology
- Claw pumps – dry, non-contacting rotors; energy efficient with low routine maintenance; a strong choice for hospitals and for systems that also handle WAGD
- Lubricated rotary vane – reliable, quiet and lower first cost; needs regular oil and filter changes
- Oil-less rotary vane – simple and low maintenance for smaller systems
Base-mounted (open) systems suit large mechanical rooms; enclosed systems reduce noise and footprint.
What is WAGD?
Waste anesthetic gas disposal captures excess anesthetic gases (such as sevoflurane, desflurane and nitrous oxide) exhausted from the anesthesia machine’s scavenging system and sends them outdoors. Without it, operating room staff can be exposed to trace anesthetic gases.
WAGD options
- Through the medical vacuum system – common when the pump technology is compatible with high-oxygen, anesthetic-laden flow
- Dedicated WAGD producer – a separate system, often chosen when the vacuum pumps aren’t suitable for WAGD duty or when the facility wants to isolate it
The right approach depends on pump type, number of anesthetizing locations, anesthetic agents in use and NFPA 99 requirements.
Sizing considerations
- Number and type of vacuum inlets (OR, ICU, ED, patient rooms, procedure rooms)
- Diversity (simultaneous use) factors by department
- WAGD load if served by the vacuum plant
- Future expansion
- Equipment room space, ventilation and power
Signs a vacuum system needs service
- Weak suction or slow recovery at outlets during procedures
- Pumps running continuously
- Low vacuum or reserve pump alarms
- Oil mist at the exhaust or oil leaks around lubricated pumps
- Unusual noise, heat or vibration
FAQs
How often should medical vacuum pumps be serviced?
Quarterly or semi-annually for most facilities, following the manufacturer’s schedule. Lubricated vane pumps need regular oil and exhaust filter changes.
Can dental offices use the same vacuum systems as hospitals?
Dental practices typically use dental-specific or non-NFPA vacuum systems sized to the number of operatories. See our non-NFPA vacuum systems.
What should we do if a vacuum pump fails?
The reserve pump should start automatically. Call for service right away so you aren’t running without redundancy, and ask about temporary vacuum equipment.
Planning a new vacuum or WAGD system, or need service? See our vacuum systems or call 714-897-7530.
