How to Use suction Catheter

A suction catheter is a medical device used to clear mucus, secretions, or other fluids from a patient's airway to ensure proper breathing. This procedure is commonly performed in hospitals, particularly for patients with respiratory issues or those who are on ventilators. In this article we share with you a general guide on how to use a suction catheter safely and effectively.

 

 

Types of Suction Catheters

 

Suction catheters are classified into two main types.

 

1) Open Suction Catheter

 

This type is generally used for intermittent suctioning in patients who are not connected to mechanical ventilation. It requires sterile technique and is a single-use device.

 

For more technical descriptions of suction catheters such as specifications, you can visit such experienced manufacturers as Hangzhou Bever Medical Device Co., Ltd. (www.bevermedical.com).

 

2) Closed Suction Catheter

 

Used primarily for patients on mechanical ventilation, this catheter is enclosed in a plastic sheath that keeps the system sterile between uses, allowing for multiple uses without disconnection from the ventilator.

 

Materials Needed

 

To perform suctioning, we’ll need the following supplies.

 

Suction catheter (open or closed system)

 

Suction tubing and suction machine

 

Sterile gloves (for open suction)

 

Sterile saline solution (for flushing the catheter)

 

Personal protective equipment (mask, goggles)

 

A pulse oximeter (optional, to monitor oxygen levels)

 

Procedure for Open Suction Catheter

 

1) Prepare the Patient

 

Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position, ideally semi-upright, to make airway access easier.

 

Explain the procedure to the patient, as it may cause discomfort or coughing.

 

If necessary, provide oxygen before starting, especially if the patient has low oxygen levels.

 

2) Hand Hygiene and PPE

 

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

 

Put on gloves, mask, and goggles to protect against exposure to secretions.

 

3) Set up the Suction Machine

 

Connect the suction tubing to the machine, ensuring the suction pressure is set appropriately. For adults, the suction pressure is typically between 80-120 mmHg. Too high a pressure can damage the airway lining.

 

4) Insert the Catheter

 

Hold the catheter in one hand and the suction control valve in the other (usually located at the proximal end of the catheter).

 

Gently insert the catheter into the patient’s nose, mouth, or tracheostomy tube without applying suction. Guide the catheter down the airway until resistance is felt or the patient coughs, signaling that you’ve reached the lower airway or where secretions are present.

 

5) Apply Suction

 

Begin suctioning by covering the control valve with your thumb and gently withdraw the catheter while rotating it to collect secretions.

 

Be careful not to suction for more than 10-15 seconds at a time, as prolonged suctioning can cause oxygen deprivation.

 

6) Rinse and Repeat

 

If needed, rinse the catheter with sterile saline by suctioning some of the solution through the tubing to clear mucus build-up.

 

If the patient requires additional suctioning, allow them to rest between attempts and ensure adequate oxygenation before repeating the process.

 

7) Discard the Catheter

 

After use, safely discard the catheter and gloves, and perform hand hygiene again.

 

Procedure for Closed Suction Catheter

 

The closed suction catheter is used in patients who are on mechanical ventilation, and its use allows for continuous connection to the ventilator without disconnection.

 

1) Explain the Procedure

 

Even though the patient may be on a ventilator, it’s important to explain the procedure to conscious patients, as suctioning can cause discomfort or coughing.

 

2) Set up Suction and Ventilation

 

Check that the suction tubing is securely attached to the closed suction system and that suction pressure is set to an appropriate level (80-120 mmHg).

 

Increase the oxygen concentration or pre-oxygenate the patient to prevent a drop in oxygen levels during the procedure.

 

3) Insert the Catheter

 

The closed suction catheter is housed inside a clear, protective sheath connected directly to the ventilator circuit. Push the catheter into the airway through the ventilator tube.

 

As you advance the catheter, observe the patient’s response. Advance it until you feel slight resistance (this is the carina, where the trachea branches into the lungs), or until secretions are reached.

 

4) Suction and Withdraw

 

Apply suction by pressing the button or covering the suction control valve.

 

Withdraw the catheter while rotating it slightly to ensure secretions are effectively removed.

 

Suctioning should not exceed 10-15 seconds to avoid causing airway trauma or hypoxia.

 

5) Clean the Catheter

 

After suctioning, flush the catheter with sterile saline to clear any remaining mucus.

 

The catheter can remain in the closed system for future use, as it remains sterile within the sheath.

 

6) Monitor the Patient

 

Always monitor the patient’s oxygen levels, heart rate, and respiratory status during and after the procedure.

 

Reoxygenate the patient if necessary, and adjust the ventilator settings back to their previous levels.

 

Safety Considerations

 

Limit Suction Time: Suctioning should never last more than 10-15 seconds per attempt to avoid causing hypoxia (low oxygen levels).

 

Suction Pressure: Ensure the suction pressure is set between 80-120 mmHg for adults. Too high a pressure can cause tissue damage to the airway.

 

Monitor Patient’s Response: Watch for signs of distress, such as rapid breathing, drop in oxygen saturation, or abnormal heart rate.

 

Maintain Sterility: When using an open suction catheter, maintain sterile technique to reduce the risk of introducing infections. For closed systems, ensure the catheter remains inside the sheath when not in use.

 

How to Use Closed Suction Catheter and How to Use Inline Suction Catheter

 

Closed suction catheter refers to the type of catheter that remains within a protective sheath, allowing for multiple uses without exposure to the external environment. This system is used primarily in mechanically ventilated patients.

 

Inline suction catheter is essentially a closed suction catheter that is directly connected to the ventilator circuit, allowing for suctioning without disconnection from the ventilator.

 

The above description of how to use suction catheter is general, which means that it has taken into consideration closed suction catheters and inline suction catheters. The general nature of the article on how to use a suction catheter means that the article provides answers to how to use closed suction catheters and to how to use inline suction catheters.

 

In the article, the section titled "Procedure for Closed Suction Catheter" covers the steps involved in using closed suction catheters and inline suction catheters.

 

Comments Welcomed

 

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