What Are Deep Suction and Shallow Suction?

Suction catheters help clear secretions from a patient's airway, ensuring smooth breathing and improving respiratory function. As an essential method for clearing respiratory secretions, it is very suitable for excessive phlegm, or have undergone tracheotomy. Suctioning can be classified into two methods—deep suction and shallow suction—based on the depth of insertion and the purpose. Today, Bever Medical will introduce these two crucial techniques to help you choose the right one for your patients.  
 
 

What Is Deep Suction?  

Deep suction involves inserting the suction catheter deep into the airway, reaching the trachea or bronchi to remove secretions from the lower respiratory tract. This technique is ideal for patients with significant airway blockages or heavy secretions, ensuring effective clearance and maintaining an open airway.  
 

What Is Shallow Suction?  

Shallow suction, on the other hand, only clears surface secretions. The suction catheter is inserted into the mouth, nose, or superficial airway. This gentler method is suited for routine care or patients with minimal secretions.   

Key Differences Between Deep and Shallow Suction  

The primary differences lie in the depth of insertion and application scenarios:  

Deep Suction: Reaches the trachea or bronchi, making it suitable for clearing deep blockages or aiding ventilator-dependent patients. It requires advanced skills, strict sterilization, and continuous monitoring to prevent infection or hypoxia risks.  

Shallow Suction: Targets the mouth, nose, or superficial airway, making it simpler and less invasive. While it has lower risks and causes less discomfort, it cannot address deeper blockages.  

In summary, deep suction is better for thorough secretion removal, while shallow suction is ideal for routine care.  
 

Who Needs Deep Suction?  

Deep suction is a highly specialized technique, typically suited for the following patient groups:  
 

1. Patients with Tracheal Tubes or Tracheotomy

These patients are often unable to clear secretions on their own. Deep suction prevents infections and airway blockages.  

2. Ventilator-Dependent Patients

For patients using a ventilator, deep suction helps remove secretions that cannot be expelled naturally, ensuring an open airway.  

3. Severe Respiratory Infections

Patients with increased secretions due to infections benefit from deep suction to clear thick mucus and alleviate symptoms.  

4. Patients with Hypoxia or Airway Obstruction

In emergencies where airway blockages cause breathing difficulties, deep suction is a vital intervention.  

Deep suction must be performed under professional supervision to avoid damaging the airway lining or causing complications.  
    

Is Shallow Suction Suitable for Routine Care?  

Shallow suction is a less intensive method ideal for routine care and preventative maintenance:  
 

1. Patients Without Tracheal Tubes

It helps clear secretions from the mouth and nose, preventing infections and maintaining cleanliness.  
 

2. Patients with Minimal Secretions

Shallow suction is sufficient for clearing light secretions without causing discomfort.  
 

3. Postoperative Patients

During recovery, shallow suction aids in gradually restoring the ability to clear secretions independently.  
 

4. Home Care Settings

Shallow suction is safer for family members to perform, making it suitable for basic at-home care.  

Even though shallow suction is simpler, it is essential to follow sterile practices to avoid infections.  

How to Choose Between Deep and Shallow Suction?  

The choice depends on the patient's condition, care environment, caregiver's expertise, and the patient's tolerance:  

Deep Suction: Best for severe secretion buildup, airway blockages, or ventilator-dependent patients. It is typically done in hospitals or professional care settings by trained personnel under strict sterile conditions to avoid airway damage.  

Shallow Suction: Suitable for patients without significant blockages or those needing only surface secretion clearance. It is more convenient for daily care or home use, with lower technical requirements, but caregivers must still maintain sterility.  

Deep suction may cause discomfort, such as coughing or gagging, so patient tolerance must be evaluated. Shallow suction, being less intrusive, is generally more acceptable.  
 

Key Precautions for Both Deep and Shallow Suction  

1. Sterile Technique

Always ensure the suction catheter is clean and disinfected. Wear sterile gloves and avoid contact with non-sterile surfaces.  
 

2. Avoid Over-Suctioning

Limit suctioning to 10–15 seconds to prevent hypoxia or airway damage.  
 

3. Adjust Based on Patient Feedback

Monitor the patient's response during suctioning. Stop immediately if signs of hypoxia, excessive coughing, or abnormal heart rate occur.  
 

4. Use Appropriate Suction Pressure

Ensure the suction pressure is not too high to avoid irritating or damaging the airway.  

5. Monitor Vital Signs

For deep suction, closely observe oxygen saturation, heart rate, and breathing to address any abnormalities promptly. 
 

Conclusion 

Deep and shallow suction are essential techniques in airway care, each with specific applications and requirements. Choosing the correct method not only improves care effectiveness but also ensures patient safety and comfort. For high-quality suction catheters, contact Bever Medical today! We provide a wide range of medical-grade suction products, help doctors improve patient outcomes.