An artificial airway is a tube that sits in the mouth or nose (endotracheal tube) or in the trachea (tracheostomy tube) and makes sure that air goes from the tube down into the lungs.
Suctioning an artificial airway involves passing a long thin flexible tube known as a ‘suction catheter’ down the artificial airway and removing secretions that have collected. The purpose of suctioning is to remove secretions, including sputum, from the tube and upper lung airways of the patient. This ensures the patient has a clear passage for their breathing and that the tube doesn’t block. During the procedure the patient may be encouraged to cough. This moves sputum from deep inside the lungs to the upper airways so that it can be removed.
Suctioning is done using a disposable suction catheter or using a special catheter that is encased in a plastic sheath and can be re-used (inline/closed suction system). Patients may need suctioning hourly, fourth hourly or rarely. This depends on how many secretions are in the patient’s airways. The procedure will often be coupled with chest physiotherapy, which is done to mobilise secretions from the lungs.
It is usual for a patient to experience strong coughing, however, this is temporary. Patients who recall being suctioned state that it is an unpleasant procedure. Hypoxaemia (low level of oxygen in the blood) is prevented by increasing the amount of oxygen the patient receives prior to suctioning. Occasionally a patient with a tracheostomy may have a small amount of blood in the sputum because the suction catheter may pull on the inside of the throat and cause slight trauma.
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All Intensive Care procedures carry a degree of risk even when performed by skilled and experienced staff. Please discuss these issues with the medical and nursing staff who are caring for the patient and o f course, if you have any questions or concerns, please ask the ICU nurses and doctors.
Suctioning an artificial airway Version 1 May 2006 (K Rolls CNC ICCMU) First posted July 2006
The information contained on this page is general in nature and therefore cannot reflect individual patient variation. In addition it reflects Australian intensive care practice which may differ from other countries. It is meant as a back up to specific information which will be discussed with you by the Doctors and Nurses caring for your loved one. ICCMU attests to the accuracy of the information contained here BUT takes no responsibility for how it may apply to an individual patient. Please refer to the full disclaimer.
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