Category
Airway Aspiration
Typical Use
Suction tracheal secretions through endotracheal tube.
Description
A soft, flexible catheter used to suction secretions from the trachea through an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy, allowing clearance of lower airway secretions while minimizing mucosal trauma and maintaining ventilation. Suctioning is performed with sterile technique, appropriate negative pressure settings, and brief, intermittent passes to reduce hypoxia and bronchospasm, often with preoxygenation and monitoring. Catheter size selection, depth control, and suction duration are tailored to patient size and clinical condition to optimize secretion removal and minimize complications. Post suctioning assessment includes auscultation, oxygenation monitoring, and documentation of secretions and patient response.