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Professional vacuum systems insights

Airway suctioning saves lives

Time to read: 2 min.

An illustration in shades of pink and blue of a human torso with lungs and the coronavirus floating around it.

Why Medela suction

Mobile suction prevents viral spread – in times of fear of spreading viruses, mobile medical vacuum reduces the risk of cross contamination associated with wall suction.


Why is airway suction critical?

Airway patency saves lives

Airway suctioning is a lifesaving procedure. It decreases the risk of lung  infections, prolonged hypoxia, and  pooling of secretions.1


Who needs airway suction?

  • Intubated patients
  • Self-ventilating patients may require help to expectorate secretions 
  • Patients treated with an artificial  airway require regular suctioning


Where is airway suction performed

Saving lives everywhere

Hospitals (ICUs, ER, OR, wards, crash carts), nursing homes, alternate care facilities.

An illustration comparing Central Vacuum System to Mobile Suction pumps.

Central Vacuum System & Mobile Suction pumps

Central Vacuum System advantages:

  • Space saving

To consider:

  • In case of overflow: contamination  of whole system.
  • More users: possibly less suction capacity and instable suction strength.

Mobile Suction pumps advantages:

  • Thanks to dedicated use per patient and virus filters risk of cross-contamination is reduced.2, 3
  • Powerful, reliable vacuum for every patient.

To consider:

  • Footprint
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References

1. Airway Management: Preventing Lung Infections via Airway Suction’, by Phyllis Hanlon, RT magazine, May-June 2019, p. 12,  https://www.rtmagazine.com/products-treatment/monitoring-treatment/therapy-devices/preventing-lung-infections-airway-suction/ ‘Surgical Airway Suctioning’ by Virteeka Sinha; Brian M. Fitzgerald, February 2020, StatPearls Publishing LLC,  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448077/

2. Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Treatment Centre, March 2020, https:// apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331603/WHO-2019-nCoV-SARI_treatment_center-2020.1-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

3. NHS recommendation https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/ wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/C0131-Design-note_COVID-19ward-for-intubated-patients_1-April-MR2.pdf

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THOPAZ+ SIMULATOR available for iOS and Android

Medela's Thopaz+ takes chest drainage therapy to a new level of care. This simulator helps you to become familiar with Thopaz+ and its advanced functions.