Suction Catheters for Sale at Wholesale Prices

Suction catheters are medical devices that are inserted into the trachea (windpipe) through the mouth or nose, in order to remove secretions and mucus from the airway. They are commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings, and can be an important part of treatment for conditions such as bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis.

There are many different types of suction catheters available on the market, ranging from those with basic features to more sophisticated models that include built-in suction pumps and other features. In most cases, a suction catheter will have a small diameter tube (known as a cannula) that is inserted into the airway, along with a larger suction tube that is connected to a suction pump. The pump creates negative pressure, which helps to suck mucus and secretions out of the airway and into the suction tube.

Some suction catheters also have an inflatable cuff that can be used to seal off the trachea and prevent air from entering the lungs. This feature is particularly useful for patients who are at risk of aspirating (breathing in) liquids or food particles.

When choosing a suction catheter, it is important to select one that is the right size and type for your needs. Your doctor or other health care professional can help you choose the right product for your condition.

Different catheters may be used for nasal, oral, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning:

Tip catheters are used for nasal and oral suctioning.

Little Suckers are used for nasal and oral suctioning.

Yankauer catheter is used for oral suctioning.

A longer suction catheter can be used for nasal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning, as seen in the image below.

Whenever the suction catheter is to be reused, place the catheter in a container of distilled/sterile water and apply suction for approximately 30 seconds to clear secretions from the inside. Next, rinse the catheter with running water for a few minutes then soak in a solution of one part vinegar and one part distilled/sterile water for 15 minutes. Stir the solution frequently. Rinse the catheters in cool water and air-dry. Allow the catheters to dry in a clear container. Do not reuse catheters if they become stiff or cracked.

Suctioning can prevent a wide range of severe complications and can save lives in emergencies. But like all medical procedures, it carries some risks. One analysis found a complication rate of 38.6 percent in routine endotracheal suctioning, though a less invasive procedure reduced complications to 28.6 percent. Other analyses have shown that small changes in technique, such as appropriately pre-oxygenating patients prior to suctioning, can reduce the risk of complications. Most common suctioning side effects are preventable. Here are the strategies your agency can implement today to improve patient safety.

1. Hypoxia

Hypoxia is one of the primary risks of suctioning. This can happen if:

The suctioning machine stimulates the vagus nerve

The suctioning is ineffective and does not remove an airway obstruction

The suction equipment causes airway trauma that occludes the airway

The suctioning equipment blocks the airway or you suction for too long

To reduce the risk of hypoxia, preoxygenate the patient before suctioning. Never suction longer than 15 seconds. If you must suction the patient again because suctioning has failed, you must pre-oxygenate them again.

2. Airway Trauma

It’s easy to damage the airway, especially if you use inappropriately sized equipment, rush the procedure, or work with geriatric or pediatric patients. To reduce the risk of airway trauma, use a thin and flexible catheter. Use smaller equipment for geriatric and pediatric patients, and take your time intubating.

3. Psychological Trauma

The medical issues that necessitate suctioning can be terrifying for patients. The suctioning procedure itself may add to the terror, especially if suctioning is painful. Pediatric patients, patients with dementia, and those with difficult airways or a history of mental health issues are especially vulnerable to psychological trauma. Be calm and gentle, even if the patient is combative. Offer consistent reassurance, and explain to them what you are doing. Yelling and taking a punitive approach are never appropriate and will only increase the risk of lasting psychological harm. Likewise, avoid restraining a patient unless doing so is necessary for a life-saving procedure. In most cases, you can gain compliance by first gaining the patient’s trust.

4. Infection

The airway is highly vulnerable to a wide variety of contaminants, particularly if suctioning equipment is not clean. Never reuse disposable equipment, and keep all equipment sealed until use. Medical personnel with active infections should not suction patients, and all team members should wash their hands before and after all suctioning procedures.

Preventing airway trauma can reduce the risk of infection, so only suction a patient whose airway is visible. Aspiration is also a risk factor for infection. Minimizing the volume of contaminants a patient inhales decreases the risk of infection. If a patient is actively vomiting or bleeding from the airway, use Suction-Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination (SALAD) to quickly decontaminate the airway.

5. Bradycardia

A slow heart rate, known as bradycardia, is one of the most common suctioning complications, likely because suctioning stimulates the vagus nerve. This increases the risk of fainting and loss of consciousness. In patients in cardiac distress, it can elevate the risk of severe cardiovascular complications. Before suctioning, ask about a history of bradycardia and other heart health issues. Then monitor vital signs during and after suctioning.