SUCTION UNIT

• – Suction Pressure:

  – Neonate → 50–80 mmHg

  – Pediatric → 80–100 mmHg

  – Older child → 100–120 mmHg

  – Adult → 120–150 mmHg

  – Adult with thick secretions → 150–200 mmHg

– Size of Suction Catheter → ⅓ of I.D (Inner Diameter) of ETT (Endotracheal Tube)

  – 3/2 × I.D of ETT (In French)

  – Example: ETT = 8, SC ≥ 12

• – Suction Catheter Types:

  – Flexible

  – Rigid (Yankauer)

  – Closed

• Suction Pressureis set by kinking the suctioning tube.
• Technique → Vacuum control on catheter should be open while inserting.

  – Withdraw catheter slowly with twisting motion with intermittent suctioning.

• Suctioning in ETT while Extubating (Bad Practice):**

  – Depletes Oxygen

  – Removes Path of Oxygenation

  – Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema

• Each Suction of 10 seconds only.
• 100% FiO2 before suctioning
• Prevent Laryngospasm by:

  – Topical/IV Lidocaine

  – Insert Suction Catheter during Inspiration