An improvised oral mucus extractor for neonates — A simple low costing method

Abstract

Every birth is an emergency as the first few moments of an infant's life can be critical to prevent birth asphyxia, which is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity in India [1]. Apart from well trained personnel, proper equipment must be available in the delivery room for timely resuscitation that can have a lifetime consequence. Simple steps in resuscitation at birth follow the well known ABC's of resuscitation and establishing an open airway is the first step [2]. Secretions are first removed from mouth and then nose with the help of bulb syringes, mucus trap or an electric suction. Mucous syringes are expensive, not disposable and deep suction cannot be done. Adequate negative pressure cannot be developed with mucus traps (Romsons make), while very high pressure can accidentally occur with electric suctions [3]. A simple emergency disposable mucus extractor can easily be improvised from an intravenous drip set for clearing oropharyngeal secretions in the neonates either in Labour Room/Operation Theatre or NICUs.