A suction tube is a medical device that provides suction by being attached to a suction machine. Suction can be used to clear fluids and sludge from an area of concern, and is used in many different aspects of healthcare. Suction devices are commonly found in ambulances, hospital wards, emergency rooms, and clinics, with attachable tubing and tips for various applications. Like other medical devices, the suction machine is designed with replaceable tubing and tips that can be changed between patients to limit the spread of disease.
A classic use of suction is in dentistry. While dental work is being done, someone's mouth can fill with blood and saliva. This poses a risk to the patient as it can occlude the airway and also makes it difficult for the dentist to see and work. The suction tube is used to periodically cleanse the mouth, essentially sucking out excess fluid to cleanse the area. It can be used by the dentist or by an assistant providing suction on request or when needed.
In surgery, suction tubes are also used to clear the surgical field. Blood can fill the field, making it difficult for the surgeon to see and complicating the field. Other fluids such as mucus and pus can also prevent a clear view of the surgical site. In liposuction procedures, a specialized suction tube is used to remove fat cells from the body, and the suction tube is also used in neurosurgery, where it removes excess fluid and relieves pressure on the skull.
Suction can also be used in the care of patients who spend time in the hospital for respiratory conditions. Many of these patients require airway suctioning to remove mucus. The suction tube will increase patient comfort, reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia, and keep the lungs clear so the patient can breathe. Suctioning is also used when a patient is near death to reduce the distinctive "rattle of death" sound, as this sound can be disconcerting to family members.
The tips of a suction tube can be changed for different applications. Bent and straight tips are available, along with tips of various widths and designs. Some are made of metal, designed for sterilization and reuse, while others are made of plastic, in which case they are disposable and disposed of after use so that organisms do not pass between patients.