Aspirator (medicine)

Potain's aspirator

A medical aspirator is a suction machine used to remove mucus, blood, and other bodily fluids from a patient. They can be used during surgical procedures but an operating theater is generally equipped with a central system of vacuum tubes.[1] Most aspirators are therefore portable, for use in ambulances and nursing homes, and can run on AC or battery power. They consist of a vacuum pump, a vacuum regulator and gauge, a collection canister, and sometimes a bacterial filter. Plastic tubing is used to continuously draw fluid into the collection canister.

In the past manually operated aspirators were used such as Potain's aspirator.[2]

The contemporary Gomco 4040 Aspirator
A Laerdal portable suction machine with battery and power cord.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Aspirator" (PDF). Core Medical Equipment. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  2. ^ p. 97, Minor surgery, Henry R. Wharton, in System of surgery, vol. II, Frederic S. Dennis and John S. Billings, eds., Philadelphia: Lea Brothers & Co., 1895.