Suction devices

Abstract

A suction device is an essential piece of equipment needed for the care of anaesthetized or critically ill patients. Medical suction is the physical process bringing about the aspiration and displacement of fluids and solids by a vacuum, from the patient's airway device or clinical environment. The efficiency of different types of suction equipment is determined by the maximum displacement and degree of subatmospheric pressure created by individual models. The relative significance of these efficiency criteria varies depending on the device's clinical purpose. An example is the high degree of vacuum and high displacement crucial for the emergency suction of vomit from the pharynx. The components of suction apparatus include the pump, suction controller, collection vessel, transfer tubing and suction nozzle or catheter. Secretions in mechanically ventilated patients are removed using an open or closed tracheal suction technique. Advantages of the closed system include convenience and less environmental contamination. However, the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and mortality are not reduced and they can be responsible for higher bacterial colonization rates.