A suction catheter is a specialized medical instrument designed to remove fluids, secretions, and foreign materials from the body. These devices are used in various medical settings, assisting patients who cannot clear their own airways or those undergoing surgical procedures. It functions by creating a vacuum to safely extract unwanted substances.
What is a Suction Catheter
A suction catheter consists of a slender, flexible tube with a connecting end that attaches to a suction source. It is made from medical-grade materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone, chosen for their flexibility and non-toxic properties. Its design allows for safe insertion into various body openings or medical tubes. Many are transparent, allowing healthcare providers to observe the material being removed.
Why Suction Catheters Are Used
Suction catheters maintain clear passages, especially in the airways. They clear mucus, saliva, blood, or vomit from a patient’s mouth, throat, or respiratory tract, ensuring unobstructed breathing. This prevents aspiration, where foreign materials enter the lungs and can lead to complications like lung infections. In surgery, they remove blood and fluids from the operative field, providing surgeons a clear view and managing the surgical space. They also manage secretions for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, artificial airways, or impaired cough reflexes, reducing respiratory distress.
Common Types of Suction Catheters
Suction catheters are available in several designs, each suited for specific applications.
The Yankauer catheter is a common type, with a rigid, curved plastic or stainless steel tip and a large opening. It is used for suctioning secretions from the oral cavity and oropharynx, often during surgery or emergencies, to prevent aspiration.
Flexible suction catheters are soft and pliable tubes for deeper insertion into the trachea or bronchial tree, often via the nose or a tracheostomy tube. They minimize irritation to delicate tissues and come in various sizes, including smaller diameters for pediatric patients. Some feature specialized tips, such as a coude tip with an angled end for targeted suctioning, or a whistle tip with a side hole to reduce tissue trauma.
How Suction Catheters Are Applied
Applying a suction catheter involves connecting it to a suction machine, which generates vacuum pressure. Healthcare professionals insert the catheter into the appropriate area, such as the mouth, nose, or a breathing tube. Suction is applied only while withdrawing the catheter to prevent tissue irritation.
Sterile techniques are required to minimize infection risk. Suction pressure is set, usually between 80 to 120 mmHg for adults and lower for children, to ensure effective fluid removal without harm. Monitoring the patient’s response and oxygen levels is routine during the procedure.