Suction (medicine)

Suction may be used to clear the airway of blood, saliva, vomit, or other secretions so that a patient may breathe.

Suctioning can prevent pulmonary aspiration, which can lead to lung infections.

In pulmonary hygiene, suction is used to remove fluids from the airways,[1] to facilitate breathing and prevent growth of microorganisms.

Suction may also be used to remove blood that has built up within the skull after an intracranial hemorrhage.

In many hospitals and other health facilities, suction is typically provided by suction regulators, connected to a central medical vacuum supply by way of a pipeline system.