Medical suction is a critical, lifesaving tool utilized by basic and advanced providers across a range of specialties in both prehospital (out-of-hospital) and hospital settings. In emergency care, providers are taught to assess and stabilize patients using the ABC’s (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation). Airway clearance with effective powered medical suction machines is the critical first step in the ABC’s of every resuscitation, and this blog provides a foundational overview of the different types, uses, and features of modern medical suction devices.
A medical suction machine, also known as an aspirator, is a device used to decontaminate or clear a patient’s airway by removing obstructions such as vomit, saliva, blood, and other secretions. Airway obstruction is a major priority in prehospital emergency care because aspiration of as little as ¼ mouthful of vomit can cause significant pulmonary injury, with mortality rates as high as 70%. It is also a major priority in military medical care, with airway obstruction documented as the second leading cause of preventable battlefield death. Effective powered medical suction devices are essential in emergency situations where keeping the airway clear can be the difference between life and death in a patient who is unable to breath until airway clearance has been achieved. Outside of emergency settings, medical suction machines are also used in surgical procedures to maintain a clear field, in long-term care settings to help patients manage respiratory conditions, and in a number of other applications across different specialties.
The first medical suction machines were manual pumps, simple in design but revolutionary in their ability to remove fluid from airways and surgical fields. As technology advanced, these manual devices were replaced by electric machines, which offered continuous suction with greater power and ease of use. Today’s powered medical suction devices are more sophisticated, capable of delivering a variable range of suction power and operating in various medical scenarios, from emergency rooms to home care settings.
Understanding the different types of medical suction devices is crucial for selecting the right medical suction device for your needs. The main categories include:
These devices do not require electricity and are typically relatively compact single-use, hand-powered, disposable units (similar in design to a turkey baster). They are used to bridge the gap in emergency situations where powered suction is not immediately available due to the size and weight of most powered suction devices. However, they are far less effective than powered suction units due to the limitations of their designs, generating only intermittent suction pressure at levels far lower than a powered device can achieve.
Commonly found in hospitals, these medical suction units are reliable and powerful. They are typically wall-mounted and used in a wide range of procedures, from routine suctioning to complex surgeries. Their main limitation is a lack of portability, restricting their use to specific locations.
These are the most versatile type of medical suction units, combining the reliability of stationary units with the mobility required for pre-hospital and field use. Portable suction units are increasingly popular due to advances in battery technology, which have made them lighter and more powerful.
Medical suction devices are used across various healthcare settings for multiple purposes:
In pre-hospital settings, EMS suction units are essential for first responders managing airways in trauma patients, victims of drug overdoses, or anyone experiencing respiratory distress.
In hospitals, portable suction units are used during surgeries to keep the surgical site clear of blood and other fluids. They are critical in procedures like tonsillectomies, tracheostomies, and sinus surgeries.
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis or those who have undergone tracheostomies often require portable medical suction devices to manage their airways at home or in long-term care facilities.
To fully understand how a medical suction machine operates, it’s important to know its key components:
• Vacuum Pump: The heart of the medical suction device, the vacuum pump generates the negative pressure needed to remove fluids.
• Tubing and Catheters: These components connect the patient to the portable suction unit, carrying secretions to the collection canister.
• Collection Canister: This canister stores the removed fluids and must be properly disposed of after use.
• Filters: Bacterial and viral filters are often used to prevent contamination and ensure the safe operation of the portable suction device.
Portable powered suction units offer many advantages to providers. When selecting a portable medical suction device, consider the specific needs of your healthcare setting. Remember that powered suction devices, rather than non-powered devices, are essential for most airway procedures and are the standard of care in medical suction.
A portable suction unit is ideal in almost every scenario because it offers providers the ability to quickly bring effective suction to the patient’s side. These units are designed for mobility and can be used in a variety of settings, from ambulances to emergency rooms to patient homes.
Durability is essential for devices that will be carried into the field settings. AIRO was designed originally for military special operations medics. AIRO is over-engineered to withstand the rigors of combat, making it durable enough to handle any challenges likely to occur in a field or hospital setting,
Ensure the portable airway suction device provides adequate suction power, typically measured in mmHg, to handle the expected workload. 550 mmHg is the industry standard for maximum airway suction pressure.
For portable suction devices, battery life is a critical factor, especially in emergency or field settings where recharging may not be immediately possible. AIRO is designed to run on replaceable CR123 batteries for ease of replacement in critical settings. The device notifies users with a low battery signal light before new batteries are needed, providing ample notice to ensure patient safety.
The portable suction unit should be easy to operate, with clear instructions and minimal setup time.
By understanding the different types of medical suction devices and their uses, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about which portable medical suction device will best meet their needs. In the next blog, we will dive deeper into the world of portable suction units, exploring the latest advancements and addressing common challenges in the field.
