What is a Portable Suction Machine or Aspirator?
A suction machine, also known as an aspirator, is medical equipment that is used to remove obstructions from a person’s airway, such as mucus, saliva, blood, or secretions.
Suction devices help people breathe by keeping their airways clear when they can’t clear their throats because they aren’t conscious or are having a medical procedure.
A portable suction machine, as the name suggests, is a type of suction device that is small enough to be carried around and runs on batteries. A portable suction machine can be purchased from a medical supply shop.
History of the Suction Machine
In 1869, a cardiologist named Pierre Carl Edouard Potain invented the first conventional aspirator machine. His aspirator suction machine was a hand-operated device that employed a pump to drain abscesses and fluid buildup in the chest, preventing heart failure.
Suction machines went from being manual to being electrically operated as electricity became more prevalent and reliable. Heavy-duty aspirators, on the other hand, were quite huge until the late 1970s and were permanently fastened to a wall.
Many different types of aspirators have been developed over time. Hospitals and patients can now choose from a variety of suction machines to use or rent.
Types of Suction Machines
Suction machines are basically divided into three categories, including:
- Manual suction machines
- Stationary suction machines
- Portable suction machines
1. Manual Suction Machines
Manual devices do not require electricity and can be as simple as a portable bulb for clearing mucus from a child’s nasal cavity.
Because they don’t require power to operate and are usually compact and portable, they’re frequently employed in emergency situations. Manual suction devices, however, are difficult to utilise consistently and successfully over time.
2. Stationary Suction Machines
Stationary machines were the most prevalent machines for decades because they were reliable, effective, and consistent. Their lack of portability, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired.
A stationary suction machine couldn’t treat patients during transit, and it could only give emergency care within a hospital’s four walls.
3. Portable Suction Machines
Because of advancements in aspirator and battery technology, portable suction machines are becoming more common. Portable aspirators will be good for patients and medical staff because they are lightweight and easy to move and move around.
How Portable Suction Machines Work
Negative pressure is generated by portable suction equipment and funnelled through a single-use catheter, which is a unique sort of plastic connecting tube.
A vacuum effect is created by the negative pressure, which pushes any blood, mucus, or other fluids out of the throat. The fluids are then discharged into a collection container automatically.
Portable suction machines rely on a few fundamental technologies to generate negative pressure and remove secretions. The most common components of a suction machine are listed below.
a. Disposable or Rechargeable Batteries
Suction machines have powerful batteries so that they can suction even when there is no steady source of electricity.
b. Suction or Vacuum Pump
The vacuum pump is frequently found within the aspirator. When a suction machine is used, it needs to have negative pressure in order to work properly.
c. Connecting Tubing
The vacuum pump is connected to the collection canister through this tube. It should never come into contact with the contents of the collection canister.
d. Sterile Patient Tubing
The suctioning tip is connected to the patient tube, which transports the patient’s secretions to the collection canister. After each suctioning session, sterile patient tubing should be appropriately disposed of.
e. Disposable Canister
The disposable canister collects the patient’s secretions and often has overflow protection in case too much fluid is suctioned out. To guarantee that all parts of the suction machine remain sterile, this canister is made disposable.
f. Power Cord
When you’re close to a power outlet, you can charge your portable suction machine with the included power cord.
g. Filter
To prevent contamination of the aspirator’s inner components, a disposable canister should ideally support the use of bacteria or viral filters. Filters may also be used to protect the equipment from dust and harmful gases that can cause it to break down or fail.
Final Takeaway
The key to properly operating portable suction devices is regular maintenance, which includes having adequate additional batteries on hand. Because they can be used in hospitals, emergency rooms, and in emergency situations, they are the most versatile option.
Before operating any form of suction equipment, make sure you’ve had the proper training and that you’ve read the original product instructions for your aspirator.
Because there are so many different types of aspirators, only the official product manual can give you the best advice.
For more information, get help from professionals.
