Filtration device for central vacuum system

A remotely controlled filtration system for use in connection with a central vacuum source in a medical facility, comprising:

• a central vacuum source configured and arranged to provide suction for removing surgical smoke generated at a surgical site, said central vacuum source having variable suction and said central vacuum source having a maximum available suction;
• a removable filter for removing contaminants from said smoke, said removable filter having a predetermined filter life;
• a filter life timer for determining remaining filter life;
• a fitting adapted for connection to said central vacuum source, said fitting positioned between said removable filter and said central vacuum source;
• a remotely activated flow control valve positioned between said removable filter and said fitting, said flow control valve operatively associated with said central vacuum source;
• a remote control unit operatively associated with said flow control valve, said remote control unit configured to control flow through said flow control valve;
• wherein said filter life timer is adapted to adjust said remaining filter life as a function of the percentage of said maximum available suction actually employed by said central vacuum source.