Aspirators - Basics
| Abbreviation / other names |
Suction unit |
| What does it do? | Removes unwanted body fluids and irrigation fluids from an
open wound, surgical site or any other area where excess fluid
has gathered. |
| How it works |
Aspirators generally consist of an electric motor driving
a pump that generates a negative pressure. A suction regulator
controls the pressure to the required level. The fluid is sucked
through a tube into a large jar (disposable in many cases) for
examination or disposal. The amount of suction (negative pressure) is normally low to avoid tissue and organ damage. Suction may also be used from wall outlets and portable medical gas cylinders. However, a regulator must be used to reduce pressure |
| Units of measurement | Negative Pressure: mmHg or kPa |
| Typical values |
0 to -760 mmHg or 0 to -100 kPa |
| Picture of equipment | |
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