Why Choose This Suction Catheter

The integrated thumb control valve gives you instant, fingertip regulation of suction pressure—allowing you to apply suction only when needed and release immediately to prevent mucosal trauma. The rounded, smooth tip navigates airways gently without catching or irritating delicate respiratory tissue. At 12 French (4.0mm), this catheter balances effective secretion removal with patient comfort, making it suitable for adult and adolescent airway suctioning in hospital, skilled nursing, and home care settings.

Key Features & Benefits

Integrated Thumb Control Valve:

• Instant on/off suction control at your fingertip
• Occlude vent to apply suction; release to stop
• Prevents continuous suction during catheter advancement
• Reduces unnecessary mucosal trauma from uncontrolled suctioning
• Allows precise timing of suction application at target secretions

Atraumatic Design:

• Rounded, smooth tip prevents tissue catching during insertion
• Non-aggressive tip profile navigates airways gently
• Reduces risk of mucosal bleeding or irritation
• Polished dual eyelets for smooth secretion removal
• Minimizes trauma during repeated suctioning procedures

12 French Sizing:

• 4.0mm outer diameter balances effectiveness with patient comfort
• Suitable for adult and adolescent patients
• Adequate lumen for efficient secretion removal
• Not too large to cause airway trauma
• Color-coded connector for quick size identification

21" Working Length:

• 53cm length reaches deep airway secretions effectively
• Adequate for endotracheal and tracheostomy suctioning
• Depth markings (varies by model) help control insertion depth
• Prevents over-insertion and lower airway trauma

Polished Dual Eyelets:

• Two smooth openings optimize secretion capture
• Polished edges reduce tissue irritation
• Strategic positioning improves drainage efficiency
• Multiple openings prevent complete blockage if one eye occludes

Clinical Applications

Ideal for:

• Endotracheal tube suctioning in intubated patients
• Tracheostomy care and secretion management
• Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning
• Post-operative respiratory care
• Ventilated patients requiring airway clearance
• Home care for tracheostomy patients

Care Settings:

• Hospital intensive care units (ICU)
• Post-anesthesia care units (PACU)
• Emergency departments
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Long-term acute care hospitals
• Home healthcare with tracheostomy patients

Common Indications:

• Excessive respiratory secretions
• Inability to clear secretions independently
• Mechanically ventilated patients
• Post-surgical airway management
• Respiratory failure requiring airway support

Thumb Control Valve Technique

The integrated thumb control valve allows precise suction management:

1. During advancement: Keep vent OPEN (do not apply suction) to prevent trauma
2. At target depth: OCCLUDE vent with thumb to activate suction
3. During withdrawal: Apply intermittent suction while slowly withdrawing catheter
4. Between passes: RELEASE vent to stop suction and allow patient re-oxygenation

This controlled approach minimizes:

• Mucosal trauma from prolonged suction
• Hypoxia from excessive suction duration
• Atelectasis from over-aggressive suctioning
• Patient discomfort during the procedure

Usage & Application

Healthcare Professional Use Only

1. Preparation: Verify suction system function; don sterile gloves
2. Connection: Attach catheter to suction tubing (typically 80-120 mmHg for adults)
3. Pre-oxygenation: Provide supplemental oxygen per protocol before suctioning
4. Insertion: Advance gently with thumb vent OPEN (no suction during advancement)
5. Suction Application: Once at target depth, OCCLUDE thumb control to activate suction
6. Withdrawal: Withdraw catheter slowly while applying intermittent suction (rotate catheter if protocol allows)
7. Duration: Limit each suction pass to 10-15 seconds maximum
8. Re-oxygenation: Allow patient recovery between passes
9. Disposal: Discard catheter after single use per facility protocol

⚠ Important: Never apply continuous suction during catheter insertion—this increases trauma risk and hypoxia.

Sterile Single-Use Design

Each catheter is individually packaged in peel-open sterile packaging:

• Maintains sterility until point of use
• Eliminates cross-contamination risk between patients
• No reprocessing or sterilization required
• Convenient for emergency situations
• Reduces infection transmission

Product Specifications

• Product Type: Straight suction catheter with thumb control valve
• Size: 12 French (approximately 4.0mm outer diameter)
• Length: 21 inches (53 cm)
• Tip Style: Rounded, atraumatic
• Eyelets: Dual polished openings
• Control Valve: Integrated thumb control (vent)
• Depth Markings: Present on some models (check specific SKU)
• Color Code: Color-coded connector for 12 Fr identification
• Material: Medical-grade polymer (PVC or similar)
• Latex Status: Not made with natural rubber latex
• Sterility: EO sterilized, single-patient use
• Packaging: Individually wrapped in peel-open sterile package (each)
• Use: Airway/respiratory suctioning (not urinary)