Why is suctioning needed?

Under normal circumstances, a person clears mucus form his mouth or throat with little effort. These secretions are either coughed out or swallowed. Certain diseases cause a person to have difficulty coughing or swallowing and/or create increased mucus production.

When this occurs, suctioning is often prescribed to physically remove secretions from the mouth or throat. Suctioning allows a person to breathe, eat, and talk more comfortably.

Suctioning should be performed whenever secretions can be heard in the mouth or throat and whenever the patient has trouble breathing, swallowing, or coughing. If it seems you have to suction more often than normal, you should notify your doctor.

Suctioning can be an uncomfortable experience. The patient may gag or cough due to the presence of the catheter. Always be sure to let the patient know that you are going to suction. Help the patient to relax and take deep breaths during the procedure.

General guidelines for suctioning are attached. It is important that you follow the techniques prescribed by your physician or recommended by MedCare.

Hand Washing Technique

Hands must be clean prior to handling supplies and solutions. Wash your hands before beginning the procedure as follows:

1. Wet hands thoroughly with warm water.
2. Use antibacterial soap.
3. Wash hands for 1-2 minutes using a rotary motion and friction.
   1. Wash back and palm of each hand.
   2. Wash between all fingers.
4. Rinse hands under running water.
5. Dry on clean towel or with paper towel.

Suction Machine Assembly

1. Place the suction machine on a firm, flat surface such as a table or desk.
2. Plug the machines AC power cord into a grounded wall outlet.
3. Plug the small end of the AC power cord into the power input slot located on the side of the machine.
4. Place the lid on top of the collection bottle and secure tightly.
5. Place the collection bottle into the side compartment of the suction machine.
6. Attach the short tubing to the outlet port on the top of the suction lid.
7. Connect the longer tubing to the outlet port on top of the suction lid.
8. Adjust vacuum pressure with the regulator knob located on top of the suction machine
   1. For Infants: 80 to 100
   2. For Children: 100 to 120
   3. For Adults: 100 to 150
9. Turn the machine on and occlude (block) the suction end with your hand.
10. If you do not feel suction, tighten all connections mentioned above and try again.
11. Turn suction machine off, the machine is now assembled correctly and ready for use.

Cleaning Equipment

Proper cleaning and disinfecting of respiratory therapy equipment in the home is very important. Do all cleaning and disinfecting in a very clean environment. It is important to keep your suction machine clean and free from harmful bacteria which could cause infection.

Once a day the collection bottle, connecting tubing, and lid should be washed and disinfected. Your suction machine catheters should be discarded or cleaned between each use. Your therapist will instruct you on which procedure you should follow.

Cleaning Your Suction Machine

Daily Procedure

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the Suction Machine.
2. Disassemble all equipment.
3. Empty the collection bottle into the toilet.
   1. Do not pour down the sink.
4. Clean with warm, soapy water and bottle brush.
5. Rinse well in warm water.
6. Soak in vinegar solution (1-part white distilled vinegar to 3-parts water) for 60 minutes.
   1. Be sure the disinfecting vinegar solution completely covers the equipment.
7. Remove from vinegar solution and rinse in warm water again.
8. Allow the collection bottle to air dry.

Weekly Procedure

1. Unplug the machine from the outlet and wipe the outside of the unit with a damp cloth.

Periodic Maintenance

1. Change the filter when visibly dirty or every two (2) months.
   1. Additional filters may be purchased from MedCare, please contact us to learn more.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Suction Catheters/Yankauers

In many situations your doctor may recommend using reusable suction catheters/yankauers. Your MedCare representative will advise you on disinfecting procedures. If you do reuse your suction catheters/yankauers you should thoroughly clean all soiled suction catheters/yankauers once a day. The following procedure should be followed:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Wash the soiled suction catheters/yankauers thoroughly in a solution of liquid detergent and warm water. Soak them in soap solution for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse each suction catheter/yankauers under warm running water. Run water through the inside of the suction catheter/yankauer. Shake off excess water.
4. Mix disinfectant solution. You may use 1-part white distilled vinegar to 3-parts water, or other solutions as instructed.
5. Place the suction catheter/yankauers in the disinfectant solution making sure the solution completely covers all the suction catheter/yankauers. Soak for 60 minutes or as instructioned.
6. After the suction catheters/yankauers have been soaked, remove them from the disinfectant solution. Shake off excess solution, rinse in warm tap water. Place on clean towel to air dry. Do not dry with a towel.
7. After the suction catheters/yankauers are dry, place each suction catheter/yankauer in a clean bag and store until next use.

Using Your Suction Machine Safely

Your suction machine is a durable, dependable piece of equipment and should operate efficiently with just a few simple safety precautions listed below.

• Never plug in the machine if it is wet or damp.
• Never use this unit if it has a damaged cord or plug.
• Never immerse the machine in water. Do not reach for a unit that has fallen into water. Unplug it immediately.
• Always place the machine on a hard flat surface, such as a table or desk.
• Do not place the machine on the floor where someone could trip over it.
• Never allow the collection bottle to fill above the maximum fill line. If fluid collects above the fill line, it may cause the machine to automatically shut off to prevent fluid from entering the compressor motor.
• To produce the proper amount of suction, all connections must be tight. Check and adjust the amount of suction on a regular basis. If the suction pressure seems low, check all connections for tightness.
• If at any time your suction machine does not appear to be working properly contact MedCare. If you ever develop a serious medical problem, you should notify your doctor and local 911 emergency services immediately.
• Do not modify the equipment in any way. Maintenance must be performed by a certified repair technician or authorized dealer.
• Never apply suction to patient's airway for longer than 10-15 seconds.
• A fully charged battery will last approximately 45 minutes. Recharging time for the internal battery is 10 hours.
• Occasionally, you may need to reorder suction catheters/yankauers or connecting tubing. Please call MedCare to place these orders, we recommend calling at least two days in advance of needing your replacements, to allow for processing and shipping.

Oral Suction

Equipment Needed

• Suction Machine
• Suction Catheters/Yankauer Catheter
• Container of Distilled Water

Procedure

1. Place suction unit on a clean, flat hard surface.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Turn suction unit on. Pinch or cover (occlude) tubing to assure that suction is working properly.
4. Connect suction catheter to connection tubing. 
   1. Do not touch patient end of the catheter.
5. Gently insert the catheter into patient's oral airway until it reaches the back of the mouth.
6. Apply suction for 10 seconds then remove catheter.
7. Have the patient rest and catch their breath.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 as necessary.
9. Observe color, volume, and thickness of secretions.
10. When you are through, clean the catheter and tubing by flushing with water until clear.
11. Turn machine off.
12. Wipe off outside of catheter/yankauer with a paper towel. Be sure to remove all secretions.
13. Discard or clean your suction catheter according to your MedCare representative's instructions.
14. Wash your hands again.

Tracheal Suction

Equipment Needed

• Suction Machine
• Suction Catheters
• Container of Distilled Water

Procedure

1. Place suction unit on a clean, flat hard surface.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Turn suction unit on. Pinch or cover (occlude) tubing to assure that suction is working properly.
4. Connect suction catheter to connection tubing. 
   1. Do not remove from package until ready for use.
5. Have the patient take a few deep breaths.
6. Remove catheter from package and gently insert the tip of the catheter into the tracheostomy tube.
   1. Do not apply suction while inserting the catheter.
7. Advance the catheter until resistance is felt (usually about 6 inches).
   1. Patient may begin to cough.
8. Cover the suction adapter with your thumb and slowly withdraw the catheter while rolling it between your fingers. 
   1. Do not suction for longer than 10 seconds.
9. If necessary, repeat steps 1-8 after the patient has had enough time to catch their breath.
10. Observe color, volume, and thickness of secretions.
11. Clean the catheter and tubing by flushing with water.
12. Turn the suction machine off.
13. Discard or clean your suction catheter according to your MedCare representative's directions.
14. Wash your hands again.