SUCTION UNIT
A suction machine, also known as an aspirator, is a type of medical device that is primarily used for removing obstructions — like mucus, saliva, blood, or secretions — from a person’s airway. When an individual is unable to clear secretions due to a lack of consciousness or an ongoing medical procedure, suction machines help them breathe by maintaining a clear airway.
Common Uses for Suction Machines
Suction machines are often used when a patient is experiencing liquid or semi-solid blockages in their pharynx, trachea, or other oral cavities. However, the ideal suction device may vary depending on a patient’s condition. Here are a few scenarios where patients or professionals may use a portable suction machine.
Ongoing Patient Care
Patients may require portable suction machines in their home if they are unable to clear their own secretions for a variety of reasons. This includes patients who are receiving palliative care and find it difficult or impossible to clear their own secretions, individuals with chronic illnesses (COPD, ALS, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, etc.), or patients who have undergone a tracheostomy.
Pre-hospital
Portable aspirators are very common in a pre-hospital setting, as they play a crucial role in helping emergency responders establish ABC (airway, breathing, and circulation). In practice, pre-hospital providers often use portable suction machines to treat a variety of patients. This includes trauma victims with blood in their airway, overdose victims with vomit in their airway, and other victims that are experiencing a respiratory emergency.
In-Hospital
Most hospitals have rooms that are outfitted with stationary, wall-mounted suction machines. Care teams often use stationary aspirators as a part of standard procedures such as tracheostomies, sinus-related ailments, and tonsillectomies.
However, hospitals often have a few portable devices for certain use cases. For example, if a patient needs an aspirator but there is no wall-mounted aspirator in the patient’s room, the care team will locate and retrieve a portable aspirator instead of moving the patient to another room. Additionally, they’re used to treat patients outside of a room when hospitals are at capacity.
How Portable Suction Machines Work
Portable suction machines generate negative pressure, which is channeled through a special type of plastic connecting tube called a single-use catheter. The negative pressure creates a vacuum effect that pulls any blood, mucus, or similar secretions out of the throat. The secretions are then automatically dispensed into a collection jar.
How to Set Up a Portable Suction Machine
Before using a suction machine, make sure you have received appropriate training for the device and read the official product manual associated with your aspirator. Since different aspirator varieties have different features, only an official product manual will provide the most precise guidance.
While you are preparing the suction machine for use, make sure you have a few critical items. If these components are not available, the suction machine may not work as intended.
- A power supply (for some machines, a 12-V DC automotive cable will also suffice if external power is available)
- A disposable collection canister
- Aspirator-to-canister connective tubing
- Patient tubing (also known as the aspirator circuit)
- A suction catheter or surgical suction accessory (the appropriate accessory depends on the procedure)
- Spill control solidifiers to safely dispose of liquid biohazards
- Any additional accessories that are required for the procedure and approved by the device manufacturer