A suction catheter is a thin, flexible, sterile tube made of soft plastic.
It is connected to a suction machine and used to remove secretions, mucus, blood, or fluids from a patient’s airway.
Suction catheters come in different sizes and may be plain or color-coded. Some have a control opening (thumb port) to regulate suction.
A suction catheter is used to:
Clear mucus and secretions from the airway
Maintain a clear breathing passage
Prevent airway obstruction
Improve oxygenation
Assist patients who cannot cough out secretions
Patients with endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes
Unconscious or critically ill patients
Patients with excessive secretions
During emergency or intensive care procedures
Used under aseptic (sterile) technique
Suction should be applied briefly to avoid injury or lack of oxygen
Must be disposed of after single use (if disposable)
