Protecting Those Who Serve: Veteran-Owned Business Partners to Improve Surgical Safety

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

MellingMedical, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), has announced a strategic partnership with IC Medical, a manufacturer of surgical smoke evacuation technology, to expand access to critical safety equipment within federal healthcare systems. The collaboration will make IC Medical’s American-made solutions – including the Crystal Vision 450D, PenEvac electrosurgery pencils, and SAFEGUARD BLUE filters – readily available to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and other federal healthcare facilities.

Addressing a Growing Concern: Surgical Smoke and its Health Risks

Surgical smoke, a byproduct of electrosurgery, lasers, and other energy-generating devices, poses a significant health risk to operating room personnel and patients. While often perceived as harmless vapor, surgical smoke contains particulate matter, toxic gases, and even potentially viable viruses. Studies have demonstrated the presence of benzene, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and bioaerosols within surgical smoke, raising concerns about respiratory irritation, chronic health conditions, and even carcinogenic potential.

“For years, the dangers of surgical smoke have been underestimated,” explains an industry expert. “Healthcare workers are exposed to this potentially harmful plume on a daily basis, and it's crucial that facilities prioritize effective smoke evacuation systems.”

Increasingly, regulatory bodies and professional organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) are advocating for the widespread adoption of surgical smoke evacuation. Fifteen U.S. states now mandate its use during energy-generating procedures.

MellingMedical and IC Medical: A Synergistic Partnership

This partnership aims to address the growing need for advanced smoke evacuation systems by leveraging MellingMedical's established position as a key supplier to federal healthcare facilities. MellingMedical holds medical/surgical and pharmaceutical federal supply schedules, providing access to over 1,300 federal facilities. This expansive network, coupled with IC Medical’s innovative technology, is expected to significantly improve safety standards across the VA, DoD, and other federal agencies.

IC Medical’s commitment to American-made manufacturing is also a key aspect of the collaboration. With growing concerns about supply chain resilience and national security, prioritizing domestic production is becoming increasingly important. “We’re proud to partner with a company that shares our commitment to quality and innovation,” said a spokesperson for MellingMedical. “IC Medical’s technology is at the forefront of surgical smoke evacuation, and their American-made products align with our commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing.”

The partnership will streamline the procurement process for federal facilities, providing easy access to IC Medical’s full range of surgical smoke evacuation solutions. These include the Crystal Vision 450D, a mobile surgical smoke evacuation system designed for a variety of procedures; the PenEvac electrosurgery pencil, which integrates smoke evacuation directly into the surgical tool; and the SAFEGUARD BLUE filters, which ensure effective capture of particulate matter and harmful gases.

Veteran Focus Drives Innovation and Access

MellingMedical’s status as an SDVOSB adds a unique dimension to the partnership. The company is committed to supporting veteran communities and providing opportunities for service-disabled veterans. “We understand the unique challenges faced by veterans, and we’re dedicated to giving back to those who have served our country,” said a representative of MellingMedical.

The collaboration demonstrates a commitment to protecting those who serve, both as healthcare providers and patients within the VA and DoD systems. By prioritizing safety and access to advanced technology, MellingMedical and IC Medical are working to improve the quality of care for veterans across the nation. The company’s expertise in navigating the complex federal procurement process will be instrumental in ensuring that these critical safety solutions reach the facilities that need them most.

The partnership also comes at a time when the healthcare industry is increasingly focused on supply chain resilience. Prioritizing American-made products reduces reliance on foreign suppliers and ensures a stable and reliable supply of critical medical equipment. “This partnership isn’t just about improving safety,” said an industry analyst. “It’s about strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that we’re prepared for any future challenges.”

By combining MellingMedical's distribution network with IC Medical’s cutting-edge technology, this collaboration is poised to make a significant impact on surgical safety within federal healthcare systems, protecting both patients and healthcare workers from the harmful effects of surgical smoke.