Correct Use and Precautions for Electric Suction Machine

What Are Electric Suction Machines?

An electric suction machine, also known as an aspirator, is a type of powered medical device primarily used to remove mucus, secretions, or other obstructions from a patient's airway to help maintain airway patency.

Applicable Situations

1. Excessive Respiratory Secretion

The patient is unable to discharge sputum voluntarily due to excessive sputum secretion caused by diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

2. Have difficulty Coughing Up Phlegm

Patients are unable to cough up phlegm independently due to impaired consciousness, coma, muscle weakness, or recovery from anesthesia.

3. Airway Obstruction

Obstruction of the airway by mucus, blood, vomit, or other foreign objects, leading to difficulty in breathing or risk of suffocation.

4. Patients on Mechanical Ventilation

Patients using ventilator-assisted ventilation need regular suctioning to remove airway secretions to prevent infection and ventilation obstruction.

5. First Aid Scenarios

During first aid (e.g., drowning, suffocation, severe trauma, etc.), it is necessary to quickly clear airway obstructions and restore respiratory function.



Components of the Suction Machine

Motor: Provides power to drive the negative pressure device.

Negative Pressure Pump: Generates negative pressure (vacuum) to form suction.

Collection Canister: Collects the aspirated sputum and secretions.

Suction Catheter: A tube inserted into the patient's airway to remove fluids.

Filters: Prevents sputum or contaminants from entering the device.

Working Principle of Suction Machine

An electric suction machine utilizes the pressure difference to extract the phlegm from the body. When the device is connected to a power supply and turned on, the internal motor drives the eccentric wheel to rotate rapidly, causing the air stored in the electric suction bottle to be discharged from the intake and exhaust ports, thereby generating negative pressure. When this negative pressure value reaches a certain height, the phlegm in the body can be sucked out.

Classification of Electric Suction Devices

1. Classified by Usage Environment

Medical electric suction device: This type of suction device is designed for use in professional medical environments like hospitals and clinics. It usually has a higher negative pressure adjustment capability and stronger suction power to meet the needs of diverse patients.

Home electric suction device: This suction device is relatively small and portable, suitable for home care. Its ease of operation makes them ideal for non-professionals.

2. Classified by Function

Basic electric suction devices: Equipped with only basic suction functions, these are suitable for simple phlegm removal.

Multifunctional electric suction devices: Beyond the suction function, they may include additional functions like nebulizer therapy and oxygen supply.

3. Classified By Negative Pressure Adjustment Capability

Fixed negative pressure electric suction device: The negative pressure is fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Adjustable negative pressure electric suction device: The negative pressure can be adjusted according to the patient's specific condition to suit different treatment needs.

4. Classified By Structure and Design

Portable electric suction machine: Small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and move.

Desktop electric suction machine: It’s larger and typically used in a fixed location.

5. Classified By Power Source

AC-powered electric suction Apparatus: Powered by an AC power source.

Battery-powered electric suction Apparatus: Equipped with a built-in battery, it can work without an AC power supply.

Operating Procedures

I. Preparation before operation

Equipment inspection: Check whether the electric suction machine is intact, and connect it to a stable power supply. Check whether each catheter is connected accurately and whether there is any air leakage. Inspect the suction machine's performance by placing the suction tube in water to test suction strength and flushing the tube.

Accessory preparation: Prepare necessary accessories such as suction catheters and make sure they are clean and sterile. At the same time, prepare appropriate items according to the patient's condition. For example, tongue depressors and mouth gags may be needed for comatose patients.

Patient assessment: Evaluate the patient's condition, state of consciousness, and ability to cooperate. Communicate with the patient or their family members to explain the purpose and method of sputum suctioning to obtain cooperation.

II. Operation Process

Adjust negative pressure: Adjust the negative pressure to an appropriate level according to the patient's age and conditions. Generally, negative pressure for adults is about 40-50 kPa, and for children, it is about 13-30 kPa.

Insert the suction catheter: The patient lies flat or on their side, with the head turned towards the operator. Gently insert the suction catheter into the patient's mouth, nasal cavity, or tracheostomy. The insertion sequence is generally from the oral vestibule → cheek → pharynx, suctioning each area thoroughly. If there is an endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy, the catheter can be inserted through the intubation or cannula. For comatose patients, use a tongue depressor or mouth gag to open the mouth before suctioning.

Perform sputum suction: Once the suction catheter is inserted in the proper position, turn on the power to start suctioning. During suctioning, rotate the catheter from side to side, and withdraw it upwards to effectively clear airway secretions. Keep each suctioning session to about 15 seconds, and the total continuous suctioning time should not exceed 3 minutes to avoid patient hypoxia. The operation should be standardized and gentle, and avoid excessive negative pressure to prevent damage to the pharyngeal or airway mucosa.

Observation and handling: During the suctioning process, closely monitor the patient's breathing as well as the sputum's color, amount, and consistency. If the sputum is thick and difficult to aspirate, first instill 2-5 ml of sputum-diluting and dissolving medication, wait 15 seconds, and then suction again. After each sputum suction, oxygen should be given to the patient or a short rest should be taken, and the number of consecutive sputum suctions should not exceed three times.

III. Post-Operation Handling

Turn off: After sputum suction is completed, first withdraw the suction catheter from the patient's mouth or nasal cavity, then turn off the suction machine and disconnect the power supply.

Cleaning and disinfection: Use gauze to clean any secretions on the patient's face, check the oral and nasal mucosa for any signs of injury and address them if needed. Dispose of the suction catheter in a special waste container. Place the glass connector of the suction tubing into a bottle of disinfectant solution for standby use. If the sputum in the collection bottle exceeds two-thirds, it should be poured out. Soak the suction tubing and drainage bottle in a 2000 mg/L available chlorine solution for 1 hour, then rinse, dry, and store for later use.

Patient assessment and recording: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient after sputum suction. Record the time, amount and characteristics of suctioned secretions, as well as the patient's response and any complications.

Features of Electric Suction Machines

1. Simple operation: Compared to traditional manual suction machines, electric suction machines are easier to operate and require less manual operation.

2. Adjustable suction power: The suction power can be adjusted according to the patient's needs to ensure safety and comfort.

3. Safe and reliable: The design emphasizes safety, and the machine usually has various safety protection measures, such as filters and automatic shut-off functions.

4. Low noise: Electric suction machines operate more quietly than manual ones.

5. Easy to clean and maintain: They are convenient for healthcare personnel to clean and maintain.

FAQS

1. Which patient groups are electric suction machines suitable for?

Electric suction machines are suitable for patients of all age groups, including adults, children, and the elderly. However, when in use, it is necessary to select appropriate equipment according to the patient’s specific conditions.

2. How should the suction pressure of an electric suction machine be set?

Suction pressure should be adjusted based on the specific conditions of the patient. The requirements for suction pressure differ between adults and children. Excessively high suction pressure may cause airway damage, while low pressure may fail to effectively clear secretions.

3. Is there a time limit for using an electric suction machine?

The continuous operation of an electric suction machine should not exceed two hours to prevent the motor damage from overheating. Meanwhile, each sputum suction should be controlled between 10-15 seconds, with adjustment according to the patient's tolerance.

4. Can electric suction machines be used at home?

Electric suction machines can be used at home under medical guidance, but new users should receive professional training to ensure they master the correct operation methods. At the same time, during use, close attention should be paid to the patient's response to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.

5. What are the contraindications for using electric suction machines?

Contraindications typically include severe airway damage, patients with heart disease, and patients who cannot tolerate sputum suction procedures. Specific contraindications should follow the doctor's advice.