Suction catheter

Suction Catheters for Hospitals, Nursing Care, and Emergency Medical Services

Suction catheters are connected to a suction device and remove secretions from the mouth, throat, airways, or through a tracheostomy. They are used on hospital wards, in intensive care, in home ventilation, and in emergency medical services. Within the catheter category, they are designed specifically for suctioning secretions, whereas other catheters are used, for example, for urinary drainage.

The product line includes sterile, single-use suction catheters from B. Braun, DCT, and W. Söhngen in sizes ranging from CH 6 to CH 20, in straight and coiled versions, as well as short tracheostomy catheters and catheters for infants. The range is complemented by suction tubing and an adapter for suction catheters.

Features and Benefits of Suction Catheters

Suction catheters consist of a flexible plastic tube with an opening at the tip and a funnel-shaped attachment at the other end, through which they are connected to the suction device’s connecting tube.

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, typical features of the suction catheters in the product line include:

• individually and sterilely packaged
• Sizes specified in Charrière (CH), primarily from CH 6 to CH 20
• color-coded funnel attachments for quick size identification
• central opening; many models also feature lateral ports
• Lengths ranging from about 25 cm for tracheostomy catheters to over 50 cm
• Straight tip and soft plastic, often PVC

Which catheter is appropriate depends primarily on whether suction is performed orally, nasally, via a tube, or via a tracheal cannula, as well as on the patient’s size.

Which suction catheters are suitable for which applications?

The B. Braun Standard-Type Suction Catheter with a straight tip is suitable for general secretion suction in adults and children in hospitals and long-term care settings. According to the manufacturer, it is made of soft PVC with a burr-free surface, is individually sterile-packed, and is available in sizes CH 6, CH 10, CH 12, and CH 16, with lengths of 46 or 52 cm.

For patients with a tracheostomy—such as those in intensive care or receiving non-hospital ventilation—the DCT Tracheostomy Catheter (sterile, 25 cm, 50-count) is a suitable option. At 25 cm, it is significantly shorter than standard catheters; it is size CH 16 and features two lateral eyelets designed to prevent suction lock. The package containing 50 individually sterile catheters is designed for facilities with regular needs.

In pediatrics and neonatology, the 2.0 mm green infant suction catheter is a suitable option. According to the product description, it is designed as a single-use product for very small airways and is supplied in individual packaging.

What should you look for when purchasing suction catheters?

The most important criterion is size. The CH specification describes the outer diameter, with 1 CH corresponding to one-third of a millimeter. When suctioning through a tube or tracheal cannula, the catheter must be significantly thinner than the inner diameter of the tube or cannula so that air can continue to flow during suctioning. The specific size used is determined by the physician’s orders and the facility’s standard of care.

Length is equally important. Short catheters, approximately 25 cm long, are intended for suctioning through a tracheostomy; longer catheters, around 50 cm, are used for oral, nasal, or endotracheal suctioning. The openings and tip shapes also vary, such as a central opening alone or with additional lateral ports.

Finally, the package size should match your usage needs. Single-unit packs are suitable for purchasing specific sizes as needed, while bulk packs are ideal for wards and home care services with consistent demand. Other types of catheters, such as urinary or rectal catheters, can be found in the broader “Catheters” category.

Standard, tracheostomy, or pediatric catheters—what’s the difference?

Standard suction catheters, approximately 50 cm in length, cover most applications in the mouth, throat, and via the endotracheal tube. They are available in many CH sizes, which can be quickly distinguished by the color of the funnel attachment. In the product range, they are offered in straight or coiled packaging, a distinction that primarily affects storage in suction carts.

Tracheostomy catheters are significantly shorter because the path through the tracheostoma into the trachea is shorter than through the mouth or nose. A catheter that is too long can be unwieldy in this context and make maintaining sterility more difficult. Lateral eyes are designed to prevent the catheter from adhering to the mucous membrane.

Pediatric catheters have a particularly small diameter and are designed for the narrow airways of infants and toddlers. The appropriate size is determined very strictly based on age, weight, and the instructions of the treating physician.

Usage and Instructions for Suction Catheters

Suction catheters are to be used exclusively by trained personnel or by family members who have received instruction, and in accordance with a physician’s orders. Before use, check the sterile packaging, expiration date, and size. The catheter is connected to the connecting tube of the suction device via the funnel attachment, using a suitable adapter depending on the system.

The depth of suction and the suction pressure used are governed by nursing standards and the manufacturer’s instructions for the suction device. Suction catheters are designed as single-use products and are discarded after use; they are not reprocessed.

Used catheters must be disposed of in a suitable waste container in accordance with the facility’s hygiene plan. Additional products for care and treatment can be found in the Catheters category.

Complementary Supplies for Suctioning

• Ventilation and Intubation
• Disposable gloves
• Safety goggles
• Kidney basins
• Waste containers

Ventilation and intubation products complement airway management; disposable gloves and safety goggles are part of the protective equipment used during suctioning, while kidney basins and waste containers are used for storage and disposal.