A suction catheter is a medical tool used to clear airway secretions and help maintain a patient's airway patency. It is made of soft materials (such as silicone or PVC) and has a side hole at the tip. When connected to a negative pressure device, it can suction out sputum. It is commonly used in the care of comatose, postoperative, or respiratory patients.
Materials: Silicone tubing: Soft, low in irritation, suitable for long-term or repeated use.
PVC tubing: Low cost, mostly disposable, avoiding cross-infection.
Model and Length: Different diameters are selected according to the patient's age and sputum viscosity (12-18 Fr is commonly used for adults, 6-12 Fr for children).
The length is usually 30-50 cm to meet different operational needs.