SUCTION CATHETER 14

How SUCTION CATHETER 14 Works

• The Suction Catheter 14 is a sterile, single-use medical device designed for removing secretions and fluids from the respiratory tract. Its effectiveness lies in its simple yet crucial mechanism: creating a vacuum to aspirate unwanted substances. Here's a breakdown of how it works:
• **1. Insertion:** The catheter, lubricated for smooth passage, is gently inserted into the patient's airway. The specific insertion depth depends on the patient's anatomy and the location of the secretions, typically guided by medical professionals.
• **2. Vacuum Creation:** The proximal end of the catheter is connected to a suction source, such as a suction machine or a wall suction unit. When activated, this source generates negative pressure, creating a vacuum within the catheter's lumen.
• **3. Aspiration:** As the vacuum is established, secretions and fluids are drawn into the catheter through the opening(s) at its distal tip. The size and design of the catheter, including its diameter (14 French in this case) and the presence of side eyes, optimize the aspiration process while minimizing trauma to the delicate airway tissues.
• **4. Controlled Withdrawal:** The catheter is slowly and carefully withdrawn from the airway while continuous or intermittent suction is applied. This ensures that all targeted secretions are effectively removed. The process is carefully monitored to avoid excessive suctioning, which could irritate or damage the airway lining.
• **5. Mucus Removal:** The suctioned material is collected in a collection canister attached to the suction unit, allowing for proper disposal and, if necessary, analysis.
• The '14' in Suction Catheter 14 refers to the French size of the catheter. The French size is a measure of the outer diameter of the catheter. Each French unit equals 1/3 of a millimeter. Therefore, a 14 French catheter has an outer diameter of approximately 4.67 mm. The appropriate size catheter is selected based on the patient's age, size, and the viscosity of the secretions. A larger size may be used for thick secretions, while a smaller size may be preferred for infants and children to minimize trauma.
• The suction catheter is typically made of medical-grade PVC or silicone. These materials are chosen for their flexibility, biocompatibility, and ease of sterilization. The smooth surface of the catheter minimizes friction during insertion and withdrawal, reducing the risk of tissue damage.
• **Important Considerations:** The use of a Suction Catheter 14, like any medical procedure, requires proper training and technique. Healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about infection control protocols, suction pressure settings, and potential complications, such as hypoxia, bradycardia, and airway trauma. Regular monitoring of the patient's vital signs and respiratory status is crucial throughout the suctioning procedure.

While suction catheters are essential medical devices, their use can potentially lead to several side effects. These include: * **Trauma to the Airways:** Insertion of the catheter can injure the delicate tissues of the nose, throat, or trachea, leading to bleeding, swelling, or pain. * **Infection:** Suctioning can introduce bacteria into the respiratory tract, potentially causing pneumonia or other respiratory infections. Improperly sterilized equipment significantly increases this risk. * **Hypoxia (Low Oxygen Levels):** Prolonged or frequent suctioning can remove oxygen from the lungs, leading to a drop in blood oxygen levels. * **Atelectasis (Lung Collapse):** Excessive suctioning force can collapse small airways and lung tissue. * **Cardiac Arrhythmias:** Stimulation of the vagus nerve during suctioning can sometimes cause changes in heart rhythm, including a slowed heart rate (bradycardia). * **Bronchospasm:** Irritation from the catheter can trigger a spasm of the bronchial muscles, making it difficult to breathe. * **Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP):** In patients with head injuries, suctioning can temporarily increase pressure inside the skull. * **Gagging or Vomiting:** Suctioning can stimulate the gag reflex, leading to discomfort or vomiting. * **Mucosal Damage:** Repeated suctioning can damage the lining of the airways, leading to inflammation and increased mucus production.

• Suction catheters are typically used in emergency or intensive care settings as needed. As such, there is no specific dosage schedule, and the concept of a 'missed dose' does not apply. Use the catheter as directed by a healthcare professional when suctioning is required.

• Keep SUCTION CATHETER 14 away from the reach of children and pets.
• Store SUCTION CATHETER 14 at room temperature.

• **Verify Catheter Size:** Ensure the 'SUCTION CATHETER 14' is the correct size for the patient's airway. Using the wrong size can lead to ineffective suctioning or airway trauma. A size 14 is typically suitable for adults, but always confirm with clinical guidelines or a healthcare provider.
• **Sterile Technique is Crucial:** Always maintain sterile technique during suctioning. This includes wearing sterile gloves and using a sterile suction catheter. Non-sterile technique can introduce bacteria into the respiratory tract, potentially causing infection. Open the packaging carefully to avoid contamination.
• **Lubricate the Catheter:** Before insertion, lubricate the 'SUCTION CATHETER 14' with sterile saline or water-soluble lubricant. This minimizes friction and reduces the risk of trauma to the mucous membranes during insertion and withdrawal. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can cause respiratory complications.
• **Suction Intermittently:** Apply suction only during withdrawal of the catheter and limit each suction pass to 10-15 seconds. Continuous suctioning can cause hypoxia and damage to the airway tissues. Use a gentle, rotating motion while withdrawing the catheter to effectively remove secretions from all areas.
• **Monitor Patient Response:** Closely monitor the patient's oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory status throughout the suctioning procedure. If the patient experiences signs of distress, such as desaturation, bradycardia, or increased coughing, stop suctioning immediately and provide supplemental oxygen as needed. Document patient response after the procedure.
• **Pre-oxygenate the patient:** Prior to suctioning, pre-oxygenate the patient with 100% oxygen for 30-60 seconds. This helps to prevent hypoxia during the suctioning procedure. Hyperoxygenation provides a reserve of oxygen to compensate for the temporary interruption of ventilation during suctioning.
• **Avoid Deep Suctioning:** Do not insert the 'SUCTION CATHETER 14' too deeply into the airway. Advance the catheter gently until resistance is met (carina) and then withdraw it slightly before applying suction. Deep suctioning can cause mucosal damage and increase the risk of complications.

• SUCTION CATHETER 14 is a medical device and not a medication. Therefore, it does not have any interactions with food. It is used for clearing airways and does not enter the digestive system.