Suction machines are devices used to remove substances like blood, mucus, and vomit from a person's airway. They use pumps powered by electricity or foot pedals to create suction through pistons and air tight chambers. Suction machines are used in medical settings and homes to clear airways and facilitate breathing by removing excess secretions. They require training to properly operate and maintain in order to safely suction from the mouth, nose, or trachea while monitoring the patient.

1. SUCTION MACHINE

2. Topics
• Introduction
• Uses
• Indication
• Principles of operation
• Diagrams
• Applications
• Types of suction pumps
• Safety
• Operation
• Preventive maintenance
• Common failure modes
• Basic troubleshooting

3. SUCTION MACHINE
In medicine, devices are sometimes necessary to
create suction. Suction may be used to clear the
airway of blood, saliva, vomit, or other
secretions so that a patient may breathe.
Suctioning can prevent pulmonary aspiration,
which can lead to lung infections. In pulmonary
hygiene, suction is used to remove fluids from
the airways , to facilitate breathing and prevent
growth of microorganisms.

4. In surgery suction can be used to remove blood from the
area being operated on to allow surgeons to view and
work on the area. Suction may also be used to remove
blood that has built up within the skull after an
intracranial hemorrhage.
Suction devices may be mechanical hand pumps or
battery or electrically operated mechanisms. In many
hospitals and other health facilities, suction is typically
provided by suction regulators, connected to a central
medical vacuum supply by way of a pipeline system. The
plastic, rigid Yankauer suction tip is one type of tip that
may be attached to a suction device. Another is the plastic,
nonrigid French or whistle tip catheter.

5. Suction machines are appliances that are used to
remove substances such as blood, saliva, mucus,
and vomit from a person's airway. A
portable suction unit can prevent pulmonary
aspiration and facilitate breathing. Suction
machine supplies include bacteria filters, collection
canisters, and aspirator tubing kits.
Suctioning is a procedure that removes excess
secretions from the mouth and throat (oropharynx),
from the nose and throat (nasopharnyx), and from
the windpipe (trachea) using a mechanical
aspiration device (Suction machine).

6. Indications for Suctioning:
The primary indication for suctioning the patient
at home is the patient’s inability to adequately
clear the airway by coughing. The need for
clearing the airway is evidenced by:
• More frequent or congested-sounding cough.
•Visible secretions.
•Audible gurgling noise while breathing.
•Suspected aspirations of gastric or upper airway
secretions .

7. Operating the Suction Machine:
1. Plug the suction machine into a grounded outlet.
2. Check that the tubing from the machine to the collection jar is on
and snug.
3. Check that the lid to the collection jar is closed tightly.
4. Attach the extension tubing to the collection jar.
5. Turn the machine on and kink the extension tubing to block the
flow of air.
-If the pressure gauge did not move when kinking the tubing, recheck
all of your connections. Look for leaks in the system. The lid may not
be closed tightly; a tub may not be on properly or the tube in punctured.
6. Look at the pressure gauge. Using the control dial, set the gauge
pressure between 15” and 20” of Hg. (for an adult)
-An infant or a child will use less pressure. Consult with doctor or call
therapist.
7. After the pressure is set, connect the oral suction device (Yankauer
Suction Tip) or suction catheter to the suction extension tubing.

8. Equipment and Supplies Needed:
• Electric or battery powered aspirator with pressure gauge and
collection jar with overflow protection .
• Suction catheters (sized appropriately)
• Tap water that has been boiled and stored in a closed, clean container.
Water needs to be used within 24 hours of boiling to flush the catheter.
o Water from the tap that is not boiled will increase the risk of
contamination and infection.
• Clean or sterile disposable gloves
• A manual resuscitator bag (for hyperinflation of the lungs if
medically indicated)
• An oxygen source (when pre-oxygenation is medically indicated)
• Sterile normal saline (for instillation when medically indicated)
• Oral suction device (Yankauer Tonsil Tip)
• Sterile distilled water, and/or recently boiled water and cleaning
solution (alcohol or hydrogen peroxide)

9. Preparing the Patient for Suctioning:
Whenever possible, the patient should be
encouraged to clear the airway by directed cough
or other airway clearance techniques. The
patient’s response to suctioning during their stay
in the acute care or long-term care facility should
be made a part of the discharge summary and the
health care professional establishing the patient
in the home should request this information.

10. Caregiver Training:
• The caregivers or family members that will be taking
care of the patient should be taught the proper suction
techniques by qualified hospital personnel. The
caregivers or family members should be trained to
understand:
• When it is necessary to suction
• What type of suctioning is needed (oral vs. nasal
tracheal)
They should be trained as to when it’s necessary to pre-
oxygenate, preform normal saline instillations, use of the
resuscitator bag to hyper inflate the lungs and then to deep
suction.

11. Suctioning the Patient:
It is common and perfectly acceptable to use clean versus
sterile technique during suctioning in the home environment.
Clean, non-sterile disposable gloves should be used when
performing nasal tracheal deep suctioning. Gloves may not be
necessary when using the tonsil tip suction device. (Yankauer
Suction). When deep suctioning and using a catheter, do not
keep the suction engaged for longer than 5 seconds at a time.
When using a tonsil tip suction device, do not suction longer
than 10 seconds. At the conclusion of the suctioning event,
flush the catheter or tonsil tip by suctioning recently boiled
water or distilled water to rinse away mucus, followed by
suctioning of air through the device to dry the internal surface
and discourage microbial growth. The outer surface of the
device may be wiped with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. The
suction catheter or tonsil tip should be allowed to air dry and
then stored in a clean, dry area.

12. The suction catheters treated in this manner may be
reused. It is recommended to replace the suction catheter
every 24 hours. Tonsil tips can be boiled, and reused
indefinitely. Store the cleaned catheter or tonsil tip so that
they are not directly exposed to the air. (Cover with clean,
lint-free, paper towels, or store in a clean container).
Before, during and after the suction procedure you need to
be monitoring the patient. Don’t suction needlessly. Only
suction the patient if they are in distress, or you see or
hear ‘wet’ breath sounds. When suctioning, look at the
patient. Don’t become so engrossed with the procedure
that you become unaware of the patient’s reactions and
responses. Remember; don’t actively keep the suction on
for more than 5 seconds if using a catheter and performing
deep suctioning or for 10 seconds if using the tonsil tip.
Let the patient regain their breath.

13. Observe the patient after the suctioning procedure.
Are the visible secretions gone? Has the gurgling
wet breath sounds stopped or at least greatly
diminished? Does the patient appear more
comfortable and less distressed? Observe the skin
color. (Including the presence or absences of
cyanosis). Get into the habit of monitoring the pulse
rate before and after suction. Take blood pressure
and Oximetry if they have the equipment. Look at
the color of the sputum. Are there any changes in
the color? Keep doctor’s office informed of the
color changes. Is there an odor to the sputum?
Again, keep the doctor’s office informed.

14. Cleaning:
The suction canister ( cylindrical container ) should be
emptied daily and washed, along with the connecting
tubing, in hot water and mild dishwashing detergent.
Rinse with clean, hot tap water. It is recommended that
these items be disinfected daily with a solution of one part
white vinegar and 3 parts water. Allow the items to soak
for 30 minutes and then rinse with clean, hot tap water.
All caregivers should practice reasonable infection control
procedure in the home setting. Patients should be
protected form visitors and caregivers with active viral
and bacterial infections. Or the opposite is true if the
patient has yet to be diagnosed with the organism they are
carrying which could be spread to others by droplet
infection.

15. USES
• Suction machines used in the homes are usually for helping people
with respiratory problems. When a patient or an elderly person is not
able to clear the lungs and airway of mucus or serum, then an
aspirator can be used to suck out the fluids.
• Tracheostomy care also involves use of suction machines for
removal of secretions from the trachea, nasopharynx and
oropharynx thereby maintaining hygiene of the trachea. Suction
machines may also be used in cases when someone has a moist
cough and is not able to clear secretions from the throat effectively.
• Components of a suction machine typically include suction pump,
connection and patient tubings, disposable canister with lid,
rechargeable battery, power cord and bacteria filter.
• The bacteria filter prevents back flow from the canister and airborne
contaminants from entering and damaging the pump.

16. • A yankauer is used to aspirate secretions from either a
surgical site or a body orifice. Its tip is slightly crooked
so as to prevent smooth passage into the throat without
fragile tissue being damaged.
• Selection of suction machines or aspirators stands out
for their powerful suction force, reliability and high
performance. Portable suction machines are small
enough to be fit into a travel bag and can easily be
transported anywhere.
• Suction machines today are lightweight, portable and
technologically sophisticated. The most clogged airway
can be cleared up quickly through strong, powerful
machines returning the patient to the state of comfort.
Some of these aspirators have adjustable vacuum
pressure needed especially when working with children
or an elder people.

17. Suction Pumps

18. Principles of Operation
• Suction generated using a pump
– Pump powered by electrical motor or foot pedal
– Pump moves piston up and down
• Piston attached to air tight diaphragm
• Pulls air in from collection container through one-way valve to reduce
pressure
– Reduced pressure draws fluid from patient via tubing
• Fluid remains in bottle until disposal
• Valve prevents fluid from passing into motor
– Motor speed determines suction strength

19. Principles of Operation

20. Diagrams
Connection Tubing
Vacuum
Gauge
Power
Switch
Power
Source
Indicator
Vacuum
Regulator
Power Input/Electrical
Input Receptacle
Power
Cord
Collection
Container
Patient
Tubing
Input
Battery
Condition
Indicators
Collection
Container
Holder
Shell Air
Intake
Barb
Vacuum
Power
Indicator

21. Diagrams
Vacuum
regulator
Motor
Vacuum
gauge
Grounding
plate
Grounding
ribbon
Electrical
input
receptacle
Air intake
from
collection
container
Air
exhaust
from
Pump
Air intake
to pump

22. Diagrams
Power
Supply
Power
Distribution
Board
Battery

23. Applications
• Used to remove fluid from body cavities
• Removal of:
– Surgical fluids in the operative field
– Mucosal secretions
– Used in patients with compromised swallowing or coughing

24. Safety
• ALWAYS use PPE when working with suction pumps
– Pumps come in direct contact with bodily fluids
• Wash hands immediately after removing gloves
• Never fill the collection container more than 75% full
– Liquid will enter pump
• Before using, read the owner's manual

25. Operation
• Position the unit close to patient
• Plug into AC power (do not use extension cords)
• Attach first suction tubing from pump suction control to collection bottle outlet
• Attach second suction tubing to collection bottle inlet

26. Operation
• Check all components and connections for tight fit
• Turn suction pump on (on/off electrical switch)
• Crimp tubing coming from the collection bottle inlet
– In order to test full range of suction
• Adjust suction to desired level while observing vacuum gauge
• Initiate suction procedure

27. Preventive Maintenance
• Daily
– Clean filters
– Clean air vents
– Disinfect jars, tubing, other components that come into contact w/ patient fluids between each use in solution of water,
detergent, and disinfectant
– Change bacteria filter if wet or discolored
– Check collection bottle/jar for cracks, chips, and other damage
– Make sure there is a sufficient supply of bacterial filters
– Check that float valve moves freely
• 1-3 months
– Clean or replace air intake filter
– Clean brushes on motors as necessary
– Inspect power cord and plug
– Ensure vacuum works over full range of suction pressures if there is a control/knob
– Verify that overflow valve (float valve) works properly when container is filled with water
– Grounding resistance between chassis and ground pin should not exceed 0.5 ohms

28. Common Failures
• Most common: Clogs, Leaks, Motor Failure
• Leaks:
– Tube leak
– Jar/lid leak (bad O-ring, possibly)
• Tube blockage or kink
• Missing/damaged parts:
– Bad motor
– Bad power supply
– No collection bottle
– No filter
– Clogged bacterial filter
• Float valve closes air pathway with full collection jar
• Insufficient pressure/suction
– Ventilation grill obstructed
– Suction control knob is set to a low setting
– Diaphragm needs cleaning or replacing
– Brushes need cleaning
– Motor needs lubrication

29. Basic
Trouble-
shooting

30. Basic
Trouble-
shooting