What is a Flexible Suction Catheter Used for?

Clearing respiratory secretions is a way to relieve patients' breathing difficulties and help maintain clear airways. The flexible suction catheter is one of the most commonly used tools in secretions clearing. Importantly, it has wide use and is more comfortable. In this article, Bever Medical will share a complete overview of flexible suction catheters with you,  like their wide usage, and use tips, a guide on selection, etc. 

What is a Flexible Suction Catheter?

A flexible suction catheter is made from soft, smooth medical-grade materials with high flexibility to minimize airway irritation during suctioning. It is also named a soft suction catheter. For patients who find traditional rigid catheters uncomfortable, a flexible suction catheter is a more comfortable alternative when inserted into the airway. It is ideal for use in critical care, respiratory medicine, and geriatric departments, helping patients maintain clear airways, prevent infections, and improve comfort.

Advantages

Reduced Patient Discomfort

Traditional catheters are often rigid and may cause patients, especially those with heightened sensitivity, to experience coughing or gagging. Soft suction catheters are softer and smoother, which reduces irritation.

Enhanced Safety 

These catheters have excellent kink resistance, which effectively prevents suction interruptions caused by twisting. Additionally, the soft material helps lower the risk of airway damage.

Wide Use of Flexible Suction Catheters

1. Intensive Care Units (ICU)  

ICU patients often require prolonged bed rest and continuous airway management. Nurses use suction catheters to quickly and safely clear the airway, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. And soft suction catheters reduce patient irritation and allow rapid airway clearance in emergencies.

2. Respiratory Medicine 

For respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, flexible suction catheters efficiently clear airway secretions, helping patients breathe more easily and reducing the risk of complications during hospitalization.

3. Elder Care  

Elderly patients often have delicate airways, making traditional rigid catheters uncomfortable or damaging. Flexible suction catheters offer a gentler suctioning method that improves their comfort and safety.

Steps for Using a Flexible Suction Catheter

1. Ensure all equipment is clean and wear disposable gloves to maintain a sterile environment.

2. Open the catheter package and inspect it for any damage or defects.

3. Gently insert the catheter into the patient's airway with smooth and steady motions, avoiding forceful insertion.

4. Adjust the catheter position according to the patient's needs, clearing the airway secretions gently.

5. After completing suctioning, slowly remove the catheter from the patient's airway.

Precautions

• Avoid inserting the catheter too deeply to prevent airway damage.

• Limit the suctioning time to avoid excessive oxygen depletion.

• If the patient experiences severe coughing, gagging, or discomfort, stop the procedure and monitor their condition.

• Clean the catheter after each use to ensure hygiene and safety for subsequent uses.

How to Choose the Right Flexible Suction Catheter?

1. Medical-grade Material: High-quality flexible suction catheters are made from medical-grade materials. Bever Medical offers catheters made from safe materials, ensuring both effectiveness and patient safety.

2. Correct Size: The catheter size should match the patient’s airway width, age, and medical condition to allow effective suction without being too large or small. Consult a healthcare provider if selecting one independently.

3. Flexibility: The catheter should be adequately flexible to navigate the airway smoothly without risk of breakage or kinking.

4. Additional Features: Some catheters come with anti-kink designs, visible measurement markers, or other features to assist healthcare staff in proper usage. These features can also be considered when choosing a catheter.

Cleaning and Maintenance of a Flexible Suction Catheter

1. Please clean the catheter with warm water after each use. Then use a disinfectant to eliminate any remaining bacteria or viruses, preventing infection risks for future use.

2. Follow the recommendations on catheter replacement intervals. If use a catheter many times, you should throw it to avoid material degradation or bacterial buildup. 

3. Store it in a dry, cool, and shaded place, as direct sunlight and moisture can damage it.

Conclusion

With their superior flexibility and patient comfort, soft suction catheters have been essential tools in airway management, especially in ICU, respiratory medicine, and elder care, etc. Except for effectively clearing airway secretions, it can greatly enhance patient comfort and safety. As one of the leading manufacturers of medical catheters, Bever Medical provides quality and safe flexible suction catheters, so they have the features of durability and flexibility. Any interests, welcome to contact us.