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Melling Medical Partnership

Melling Medical partnership with Acuderm

Exciting Partnership Announcement!

Acuderm is proud to partner with Melling Medical, an SBA-Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), to expand access to our products for federal healthcare providers nationwide.

Through Melling Medical’s FSS and ECAT contracts, federal facilities can now easily procure a wide range of Acuderm products, including:

This partnership streamlines the purchasing process while ensuring federal providers have access to the high-quality products they rely on to deliver exceptional patient care.

For quotes and orders, please contact:

We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to serving our federal customers alongside the team at Melling Medical.

Melling Medical today announced a new strategic relationship with Acuderm, Inc., a leading American manufacturer of surgical instruments and disposable medical devices. As part of its new connection, Alexandria-based MellingMedical will leverage its status as an SBA-Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) to bring Acuderm’s comprehensive line of surgical and dermatological products to federal healthcare providers serving America’s veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. 

“Acuderm’s 43-year track record of manufacturing high-quality surgical instruments and disposables in the United States makes them an ideal ally for serving federal healthcare providers,” said Chris Melling, founder and CEO of MellingMedical. “Their specialized focus on precision instruments and innovative solutions like the Acu-Evac® smoke evacuation system will provide our clinicians with the tools they need to enhance personal safety and deliver optimal patient care.” 

PATHWAY TO AVAILABILITY 

The arrangement makes Acuderm’s complete portfolio immediately available to veterans through MellingMedical’s federal contracting network. The Fort Lauderdale-based company’s commitment to American manufacturing aligns perfectly with federal sourcing priorities. 

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY 

The agreement encompasses Acuderm’s extensive array of surgical instruments, including their disposable biopsy punches, disposable dermal curettes, and surgical smoke evacuation systems. 

Charles Yeh, founder and CEO of Acuderm, added: “We are excited to align with Melling Medical to expand access to our surgical and dermatological solutions throughout the federal healthcare system. Our shared commitment to providing American-made, premium-quality medical devices makes this collaboration particularly meaningful for advancing surgical care for those who serve our country.” 

UNDERSTANDING THE MARKETPLACE 

The federal healthcare marketplace is the largest integrated medical system in the United States, representing enormous opportunity for innovative companies like Acuderm, but it is governed by a complex and rapidly evolving procurement framework. Navigating this labyrinth requires managing a web of acquisition regulations, divergent agency requirements, and multiple contract pathways. By collaborating with MellingMedical, Acuderm gains a strategic guide equipped to master these complexities. This alliance compresses the timeline for market entry by relying on MellingMedical‘s established contract infrastructure and rigorous regulatory navigation, ensuring Acuderm’s state-of-the-art instruments reach federal patients efficiently and compliantly. 

A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE 

In conclusion, Chris Melling said, “A doctor having the right tool at the right time can make a huge difference in the life of a patient who has served our country, so we actively seek out teammates like Acuderm. Our company was founded to meet those needs and it will always be our focus.” 

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About MellingMedical MellingMedical, an SBA-Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), holds a Medical Equipment and Surgical Federal Supply Schedule (Med/Surg), as well as a Pharmaceutical Schedule and ECAT capabilities, providing innovative and cost-effective healthcare solutions to all 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 VA Outpatient Clinics, all seven (7) VA CMOPs, 95 DoD Medical Facilities and Health and Human Services (HHS), including Indian Health Services (IHS) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). To learn more, visit MellingMedical.com. 

About Acuderm 

Founded in 1983, Acuderm, Inc. is a leading American manufacturer of premium surgical instruments and disposable medical devices. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Acuderm specializes in precision surgical instruments, disposable biopsy punches, disposable dermal curettes, and innovative surgical smoke evacuation systems. Acuderm was awarded eight U.S. Patents: One for Acu-Evac, three for capture nozzle, and four for disposable surgical instruments. With a 43-year history of manufacturing excellence, Acuderm remains committed to providing healthcare professionals with high-quality, American-made medical devices that enhance patient care and surgical outcomes. To learn more, visit Acuderm.com. 

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MellingMedical Teams with Acuderm to Enhance Surgical Dermatological Care Options for Federal Healthcare Providers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MellingMedical Teams with Acuderm to Enhance Surgical and Dermatological Care Options for Federal Healthcare Providers

American-made surgical instruments and disposables expand treatment capabilities for veterans, active duty and DoD clinicians

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 10 , 2024 – MellingMedical today announced a new relationship with Acuderm, Inc., a leading American manufacturer of surgical instruments and disposable medical devices. MellingMedical will leverage its status as an SBA-Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) to bring Acuderm’s comprehensive line of surgical and dermatological products to federal healthcare providers serving America’s veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families.

“Acuderm’s 42-year track record of manufacturing high-quality surgical instruments and disposables in the United States makes them an ideal partner for serving federal healthcare providers,” said Chris Melling, founder and CEO of MellingMedical. “Their specialized focus on precision instruments and innovative solutions like the Acu-Evac® smoke evacuation system will provide our clinicians with the tools they need to enhance patient safety and deliver optimal patient care.”

The agreement encompasses Acuderm’s complete portfolio of surgical instruments, including their premium tungsten carbide needle holders, specialized surgical scissors, disposable biopsy punches, and surgical smoke evacuation systems. The Fort Lauderdale-based company’s commitment to American manufacturing aligns with federal sourcing priorities.

“We are excited to partner with MellingMedical to expand access to our surgical and dermatological solutions throughout the federal healthcare system,” said Charles Yeh, founder and CEO of Acuderm. “Our shared commitment to providing American-made, premium-quality medical devices makes this partnership particularly meaningful for advancing surgical care for those who serve our country.” 

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About MellingMedical
MellingMedical, an SBA-Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), holds a Medical Equipment and Surgical Federal Supply Schedule (Med/Surg), as well as a Pharmaceutical Schedule and ECAT capabilities, providing innovative and cost-effective healthcare solutions to all 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 VA Outpatient Clinics, all seven (7) VA CMOPs, 95 DoD Medical Facilities and Health and Human Services (HHS), including Indian Health Services (IHS) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). To learn more, visit MellingMedical.com.

About Acuderm

Founded in 1983, Acuderm, Inc. is a leading American manufacturer of premium surgical instruments and disposable medical devices. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Acuderm specializes in precision surgical instruments, disposable biopsy punches, and innovative surgical smoke evacuation systems. With a 42-year history of manufacturing excellence, Acuderm remains committed to providing healthcare professionals with high-quality, American-made medical devices that enhance patient care and surgical outcomes. To learn more, visit Acuderm.com. 

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The Gold Standard in Air Safety: Why ULPA Outperforms HEPA for Surgical Smoke  Evacuation

 In the modern surgical suite, the hazards of surgical smoke—plumes generated by lasers,  electrosurgical units (ESU), cauteries and ultrasonic devices are well-documented.  Containing over 147 hazardous chemicals and viable biological particulates, including live  viruses, this “byproduct” is a significant occupational health risk for dermatologists,  nurses, and technicians. 

To mitigate this risk, smoke evacuators are essential. However, not all filtration systems  are created equal or designed for surgical or clinical use. While HEPA (High-Efficiency  Particulate Air) filters have long been the industry standard for room air filtration, ULPA  (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filters represent the ultimate in surgical smoke protection. 

At Acuderm, our Evac systems utilize ULPA technology combined with carbon for gas and  odor removal. Here is a technical breakdown of why ULPA filtration—specifically those  rated at 99.99997% efficiency—is the superior choice for your practice. 

The Fundamental Difference: HEPA vs. ULPA 

The distinction between HEPA and ULPA lies in the “tightness” of the filter media and the  size of the particles they are validated to capture. 

  • HEPA Filters: Typically rated to capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns.
  • ULPA Filters: Rated to capture 99.99997% at 0.01 microns and 0.12 microns MPPS  (Most Penetrating Particle Size). 

Why the 0.01 to 0.12 Micron Range Matters 

In dermatology and laser surgery, the “targets” we aim to capture are often much smaller  than the 0.3-micron HEPA benchmark. 

  1. Viral Pathogens: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), frequently aerosolized during  the treatment of verrucae or condyloma, measures approximately 0.055 microns. A HEPA filter is not validated to capture particles of this size with the same efficiency as an  ULPA filter. 
  2. Ultrafine Particles (UFPs): Laser plumes produce a high concentration of ultrafine  particles (less than 0.1 microns). These particles can bypass the upper respiratory  tract and settle deep within the alveoli of the lungs, potentially entering the  bloodstream. 
  3. DNA Fragments: Research has shown that intact viral DNA and live viruses was recovered from  laser plumes. ULPA filters provide the necessary density to ensure these fragments  are sequestered within the filter media. 

Pathogen Size Comparison Chart 

PathogenParticle Size (Microns) Captured by Acuderm ULPA?
Hepatitis A 0.027 – 0.032 Yes
Hepatitis B 0.042 Yes
Hepatitis C 0.04 – 0.08 Yes
HPV 0.05 – 0.055 Yes
SARS-CoV-2 0.05 – 0.14 Yes
HIV 0.12 Yes

Quantifying the Efficiency: The Math of Safety 

The certified difference between 99.97% (HEPA) and 99.99997% (Acuderm’s ULPA) is a  massive leap in clinical safety: 

  • HEPA (99.97%): Allows 3,000 out of every 10,000,000 particles at 0.3 microns to  pass through. 
  • Acuderm’s ULPA (99.99997%): Allows only 3 out of every 10,000,000 particles at  0.01 micron to pass through. 

In a high-volume dermatology clinic, this 1,000-fold increase in protection significantly  reduces cumulative exposure for the surgical team. 

Why do Gas and Odor Matter? 

Gases and odors from surgical smoke are not only toxic and mutagenic to breathe; they  irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

Clinical Indicator: The presence of odor is an indicator that your surgical smoke  evacuator is not working as indicated. 

HEPA filters have no effect on gases and odors. Acu-Evac’s Main Filter combines the  highest level of filtration available with its ULPA filter and a specially designed carbon filter  to remove harmful gases and odors. 

Implications for the Clinical and Surgical Team 

For the physician, nurse, and laser technician, the use of the Acu-Evac means: 

  • Protection Starts with Capture: The TX Nozzle was issued 3 patents because of its  superior capture of surgical smoke at the source. 
  • Superior Odor Control: ULPA filters are paired with advanced charcoal filtration to remove harmful gases such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), benzene, and  odors. 
  • Infection & Cross-Contamination Control: By capturing smoke with blood  droplets and particulates down to the 0.01-micron level, the risk of viable biological  material remaining in the room air is virtually eliminated. 

Conclusion 

While HEPA is suitable for general room air filtration, the specialized environment of a medical or surgical suite where electrosurgical units (ESU), cautery, laser or ultrasonic devices are used demands the precision of ULPA. By choosing the only  surgical smoke evacuator to be awarded a US Patent & in 15 countries and a capture  nozzle to be awarded 3 US Patents, you are choosing the highest possible standard of  respiratory protection. 

After all, isn’t your health and well-being worth it? 

Upgrade Your Practice: View the Acuderm Evac Series Specifications Here 

Sources: 

Provided client text and technical specifications from Acuderm.com/evac.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) – Research on  Surgical Smoke Hazards.

ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 – Water for the processing of medical devices (Principles for  air quality and filtration). 

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) – Studies on HPV DNA in  laser plumes. 

Yeh, C. (1997). Surgical Smoke Plume: Principles and Function of smoke, aerosol,  gases and smoke evacuation. Surgical Services Management (3)4:41.

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Surgical Smoke Evacuation Laws by State (2026 Update) 

A map of the US with states with requirements for Surgical Smoke is highlighted

Surgical smoke—also called plume—is an unavoidable byproduct of many procedures that use lasers, electrosurgery, or other heat-producing devices. Research has shown that surgical smoke can contain toxic chemicals, viable cellular material, and viral particles, posing real health risks to clinicians, staff, and patients. 

In response, states across the U.S. have enacted laws requiring healthcare facilities to reduce or eliminate exposure to surgical smoke. According to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), 20 states now have enacted legislation addressing surgical smoke evacuation, with several additional laws taking effect in 2026. 

Below is a clear, accurate breakdown of which states require surgical smoke evacuation and how strong those requirements are. 

Understanding the “Levels” of Surgical Smoke Evacuation Laws 

Smoke venturi effect flows up into a surgical smoke evacuator

State laws are not all written the same way. To make this easier to understand, we group them into four practical “levels,” based on how explicit the legal requirement is. 

Level 1 — Smoke Evacuation Required 

These states require hospitals and/or ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) to use a surgical smoke evacuation or plume scavenging system during procedures that generate smoke. 

Level 2 — Exposure Reduction Required 

These states require facilities to adopt policies to reduce human exposure to surgical smoke. While evacuation systems are the standard solution, the statutory language is less prescriptive. 

Level 3 — Regulation in Development 

These states have passed laws requiring the state occupational safety agency to develop a surgical smoke standard, which will ultimately define evacuation requirements. 

Level 4 — Enacted, Effective in 2026 

These laws are already passed and signed but do not take effect until 2026. 

Level 1 — Smoke Evacuation Required (Currently in Effect) 

Facilities must adopt and implement policies requiring the use of a surgical smoke evacuation system during smoke-generating procedures. 

  • Rhode Island (effective Jan 1, 2019) 
  • Colorado (effective May 1, 2021) 
  • Illinois (effective Jan 1, 2022) 
  • Kentucky (effective Jan 1, 2022) 
  • Oregon (effective Jan 1, 2023) 
  • New York (effective June 14, 2023) 
  • New Jersey (effective June 11, 2023) 
  • Louisiana (effective Aug 1, 2023) 
  • Arizona (effective July 1, 2024) 
  • Washington (effective Jan 1, 2024; small rural facilities Jan 1, 2025) 
  • Connecticut (effective Jan 1, 2024) 
  • Ohio (effective Oct 1, 2024) 
  • Minnesota (effective Jan 1, 2025) 
  • West Virginia (effective Jan 1, 2025) 
  • Virginia (effective July 1, 2025) 

Level 2 — Exposure Reduction Required 

These states require facilities to adopt policies aimed at reducing human exposure to surgical smoke. While not always explicit about evacuation equipment, most facilities comply using smoke evacuation systems. 

  • Georgia (effective July 1, 2022) 

Level 3 — Regulation in Development 

These states have enacted laws directing workplace safety agencies to create enforceable surgical smoke standards. 

  • California 
    Cal/OSHA must propose a surgical smoke standard by Dec 1, 2026, with consideration for adoption in 2027. 

Level 4 — Enacted, Effective in 2026 

These laws are passed and signed but do not take effect until 2026. 

  • Missouri (effective Jan 1, 2026) 
  • North Carolina (effective Jan 1, 2026) 
  • Delaware (effective April 1, 2026) 

What This Means for Dermatology, Laser, and Veterinary Practices 

Most surgical smoke laws are written around hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, but the clinical risk of surgical smoke does not change by setting. Dermatology clinics, laser practices, veterinary clinics, and outpatient procedure rooms routinely generate plume using electrosurgery and laser devices. 

For many practices, adopting smoke evacuation: 

  • Aligns with AORN guidance and best practices 
  • Reduces staff exposure to toxic byproducts 
  • Supports compliance as regulations continue to expand 
  • Demonstrates a commitment to staff and patient safety 

As more states move toward explicit evacuation requirements, smoke evacuation is rapidly becoming a baseline expectation rather than an optional add-on. 

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Surgical Smoke Regulation Begins to Clear



Surgical Smoke Regulation Begins to Clear
MIAMI – Rhode Island becomes the first state to pass a law requiring the evacuation of surgical smoke in all licensed hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, whenever a procedure produces plume. Meanwhile expected states like Colorado and California drag their feet and remain unable to get surgical smoke regulations on the books. This precedence setting law will give other states a place to hang their hopes.

Medical device companies like Acuderm haven’t waited on legislation. They anticipated a need and invented a solution. “There is no safe smoke,” said Charles R. Yeh, CEO, of Acuderm, Inc. “Forward thinkers, like those of us at Acuderm, saw the need more than 25 years ago when we developed our first smoke evacuator.

“Currently, there are thousands of facilities across the globe using Acuderm’s patented, state-of-the-art capture, collection and filtration technology to remove harmful particles, viruses carried in blood droplets and toxic gases from the air, while providing safer workplaces in the process,” Yeh continued.


Two years ago, California Bill No. 402 passed the state senate, requiring regulations to be in place no later than June 1, 2019. Despite widespread support, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed this legislation. Meanwhile Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed a similar law mandating statewide compliance by April 1, 2019.

Since 1996, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has recommended the use of smoke evacuators within two inches of a surgical site to capture airborne contaminates. OSHA’s etool kit for surgical suites states that…

  • Exposure to high concentrations of smoke may cause ocular and upper respiratory tract irritation and create visual problems for the perioperative team
  • Smoke may contain toxic gases that could have the potential for adverse health impacts, such as mutagenic and carcinogenic impacts

Similarly, AORN and NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) both recommend the same combination of precautions, general room ventilation and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) or a smoke evacuator at the surgical site. Unlike other evacuator manufacturers, Acuderm’s patented TX™ nozzle collects the industry’s largest field of surgical smoke at the ideal distance of 3 to 4 inches.


ABOUT ACUDERM (Acuderm.com)
For more than 35 years, medical professionals have relied upon Acuderm to provide superior value, while maintaining superior quality standards. Patents: FDA (USA), ISO 13485 (International) and CMDCAS (Canada) certified, UL2601 compliant and maintains a CE mark in Europe. For more information and to shop our online store at https://acuderm.com/3-products.