Closed Suction Catheter

Closed system catheters offer several advantages in patient care due to their unique design:

Reduced Risk of Hospital Infections: Since the catheter operates in a closed system, the risk of bacterial entry and infections in the patient’s respiratory system is minimized. This feature is especially important for patients in intensive care units (ICU) who are on ventilators.

Maintaining Oxygenation: The need to disconnect the ventilator during suction is avoided, helping to maintain the patient’s blood oxygen levels. This is particularly critical for unstable and critically ill patients.

Ease of Use and High Efficiency: The design of the closed system catheter simplifies the suction process for nurses and doctors while the patient remains connected to the respiratory device.

Closed system catheters are available in various sizes and lengths to accommodate a wide range of patients, from neonates to adults. Common sizes include:

Neonatal sizes: 6, 8 French (Fr)
Pediatric sizes: 10, 12 French (Fr)
Adult sizes: 14, 16 French (Fr)

There are also two types of catheters:

Single-use catheters: These are discarded after one use to prevent infection transmission.
Reusable catheters: These can be used multiple times after proper disinfection and are typically used in specific circumstances.

With its design focused on maintaining sterility and oxygenation, the closed system catheter plays a crucial role in the care of patients on ventilators. By reducing the risk of hospital infections and ensuring patient safety, it has become a standard tool in intensive care settings. Selecting the appropriate size and type of catheter based on the patient’s condition and clinical needs is vital.