Choosing the Right Surgical Suction Pump

Your choice of suction pump should be based on several factors, such as its intended use, flow and suction power, type of power supply, and the noise level it produces. Here are the main criteria for choosing a surgical suction pump:

• Intended use and configuration: Suction pumps can be used in medical emergencies, particularly when transporting patients to the hospital, but also in scheduled surgeries, health facilities, and for at-home care. Depending on the use, you can opt for a portable, wheeled, or stationary suction pump.
• Suction power (mmHg) and flow (L/min): A surgical suction pump should have a suction capacity of at least 300 mmHg at a flow of 30 liters per minute.
• Power: Electric surgical suction pumps are the most common. However, there are also pneumatic suction pumps, which can be used in facilities where a compressor or connection to a vacuum network is available. Battery-powered surgical suction pumps are portable and are gaining ground thanks to advances in battery technology.
• Capacity of collection containers (L): Collection containers for surgical suction pumps have a capacity of 2 to 5 liters on average.
• Noise level (dB): The noise level generated by a suction pump when in use must not exceed 65 dB.
• Battery life (min): In emergencies, professionals sometimes have to use a battery-powered suction pump for several patients in a row, which means they will have little time to recharge the device’s battery. It is therefore important to choose a device with a long battery life that charges quickly. The suction capacity of these devices can decrease when they have a low charge or when the battery has been used up.
• Dimensions and weight: The dimensions and weight of a suction pump are particularly important for portable devices. You should keep in mind that it will have to be carried by different people with different strength levels. It is therefore crucial that a portable surgical suction pump be light and can easily carried in a bag or attached to a stretcher.
• Price

HUM pneumatic surgical suction pump

There are other criteria that, although secondary, may be important to consider when buying a surgical suction pump. These include whether or not the pump has an intermittent suction function, the possibility of adjusting the suction limit, efficient filters, etc. These are the secondary criteria to consider when choosing a surgical suction pump:

• Intermittent and/or gradual suction: These functions make the device much more practical to use, as they allow you to adjust the suction phases and power separately. They are particularly useful for gastric drainage and for increased protection of sensitive tissues.
• Adjustable suction limit: If the suction limit is reached, the valve opens, preventing the cannula from adhering to fragile tissues and damaging them. The suction pump should also be quick and easy to adjust so that, for example, the healthcare professional can use it on a newborn and then on an adult, without having to spend a lot of time adjusting the device’s parameters.
• Filled container detection system: Suction pumps equipped with this detection system automatically stop when the collection containers are full.
• Filter efficiency: Some suction pumps have antibacterial/antiviral filters to prevent contamination of their internal components.
• Foot switch
• Length and diameter of suction tubes

HERSILL portable battery-operated surgical suction pump

Suction pumps are used in the following situations:

• Pre-hospital care: Suction pumps play a crucial role in emergency care, both at the scene and during transportation to the hospital, in assisting professionals in ABC procedures (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation). First responders generally use them to assist trauma victims whose airways are obstructed by blood, or overdose victims whose airways are obstructed by vomit, for example. For pre-hospital emergency medical care, particularly in ambulances, it is more appropriate to opt for portable suction pumps.
• Hospital care: In the operating room, you should choose a fixed or wheeled suction pump, which can be electric or pneumatic. In most hospitals, there are rooms equipped with fixed suction devices mounted on the wall, which are used for common procedures such as tracheostomies and tonsillectomies. However, hospitals also often have portable suction pumps, which can be taken to a patient’s room where there is no wall-mounted suction device, for example. They are also indispensable for assisting patients outside of hospital rooms when there are no rooms available. Suction pumps are used in practically all medical fields.
• At-home care: Suction pumps can also be used at home for people who are unable to expel their own secretions. These are often palliative care patients, people with chronic diseases (COPD, ALS, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, etc.) or tracheostomy patients.

Medela hospital suction pump

When choosing a suction pump, it is important to know which flow and suction power levels you require.

• Suction flow (L/min):
  • Flows of 15 L/min or less are considered low flows (portable suction pumps).
  • Flows of 30 L/min are considered medium flows.
  • Flows above 30 L/min (i.e. 40, 50, or 60 L/min) are considered high flows (operating room suction pumps).

• Suction power (mmHg): All suction pumps must be able to reach a suction power of 90 kPa (675 mmHg / 900 mbar).

Noise level is one of the main criteria for choosing a suction pump. So-called silent devices produce a noise level of around 40 dB when in use.

On the other models, the noise level should not exceed 65 dB, so as not to cause too much disturbance.