A suction machine, also known as an aspirator, is a type of medical device that is primarily used for removing obstructions — like mucus, saliva, blood, or secretions — from a person’s airway. When an individual is unable to clear secretions due to a lack of consciousness or an ongoing medical procedure, suction machines help them breathe by maintaining a clear airway.
In practice, care professionals use suction machines as an integral part of a treatment plan when a patient’s airway is partially or completely obstructed. Some common uses include:
Since they can be used in conjunction with other medical technologies to treat a variety of life-threatening conditions, aspirators have become a mainstay in both pre-hospital and in-hospital settings. Given their ubiquity, it’s common to have questions about their uses and functions.
Zoll medical corporation. Official ZOLL® Site - Medical Devices - Software Solutions. (n.d.). https://www.zoll.com/resources/what-is-a-suction-machine.
