In various embodiments of the invention, an electro-vacuum pump can be used either as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum or to maintain, assist or as a back up for a hand operated pump in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump is controlled by a processor and is automatically activated when the vacuum is below a pre-selected parameter or a parameter selected on the fly by the surgeon. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the surgeon increased control of the vacuum device while carrying out the surgical procedure.