Suction
Suction[edit | edit source]
Suction is a process that involves the removal of air or fluid from a space, creating a partial vacuum. This process is widely used in various medical procedures and devices to clear obstructions, remove fluids, or assist in surgical operations.
Mechanism of Suction[edit | edit source]
Suction operates on the principle of creating a pressure differential. When the pressure inside a closed system is reduced below the atmospheric pressure, the higher external pressure pushes air or fluid into the area of lower pressure. This is achieved using devices such as vacuum pumps, syringes, or suction catheters.
Medical Applications[edit | edit source]
Suction is an essential component in many medical settings. It is used in:
- Airway Management: Suction is critical in clearing the airway of secretions, blood, or vomit to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate ventilation.
- Surgical Procedures: During surgeries, suction devices are used to remove blood and other fluids from the surgical field, providing a clear view for the surgeon.
- Wound Care: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) uses suction to promote healing by drawing out fluid and infection from a wound.
Types of Suction Devices[edit | edit source]
There are several types of suction devices used in medical practice:
- Manual Suction Devices: These include hand-operated pumps and syringes, often used in emergency situations or where power sources are unavailable.
- Electric Suction Devices: Powered by electricity, these devices provide continuous suction and are commonly used in hospitals.
- Portable Suction Units: Designed for mobility, these units are used in ambulances and field settings.
Safety and Precautions[edit | edit source]
When using suction devices, it is important to:
- Ensure the device is properly sterilized to prevent infection.
- Monitor the pressure settings to avoid tissue damage.
- Regularly check the equipment for functionality and cleanliness.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD