Suction Pumps
Topics
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Principles of operation
Diagrams
Applications
Types of suction pumps
Safety
Operation
Preventive maintenance
Common failure modes
Basic troubleshooting
Principles of Operation
 Suction generated using a pump
 Pump powered by electrical motor or foot pedal
 Pump moves piston up and down
 Piston attached to air tight diaphragm
 Pulls air in from collection container through one-way
valve to reduce pressure
 Reduced pressure draws fluid from patient via
tubing
 Fluid remains in bottle until disposal
 Valve prevents fluid from passing into motor
 Motor speed determines suction strength
Principles of Operation
Connection Tubing
Diagrams
Shell Air
Intake
Barb
Vacuum
Gauge
Patient
Tubing
Input
Power
Switch
Power
Source
Indicator
Collection
Container
Battery
Condition
Indicators
Collection
Container
Holder
Vacuum
Power
Indicator
Power
Cord
Vacuum
Regulator
Power Input/Electrical
Input Receptacle
Diagrams
Motor
Air intake
from
collection
container
Air intake
to pump
Vacuum
gauge
Air
exhaust
from
Pump
Grounding
ribbon
Vacuum
regulator
Electrical
input
receptacle
Grounding
plate
Diagrams
Power
Distribution
Board
Power
Supply
Battery
Applications
 Used to remove fluid from body cavities
 Removal of:
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Surgical fluids in the operative field
Mucosal secretions
Used in patients with compromised swallowing or coughing
Safety
 ALWAYS use PPE when working with suction pumps
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Pumps come in direct contact with bodily fluids
 Wash hands immediately after removing gloves
 Never fill the collection container more than 75% full
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Liquid will enter pump
 Before using, read the owner's manual
Operation
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Position the unit close to patient
Plug into AC power (do not use extension cords)
Attach first suction tubing from pump suction control to
collection bottle outlet
Attach second suction tubing to collection bottle inlet
Operation
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Check all components and connections for tight fit
Turn suction pump on (on/off electrical switch)
Crimp tubing coming from the collection bottle inlet
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In order to test full range of suction
Adjust suction to desired level while observing vacuum gauge
Initiate suction procedure
Preventive Maintenance
 Daily
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Clean filters
Clean air vents
Disinfect jars, tubing, other components that come into contact w/ patient fluids between
each use in solution of water, detergent, and disinfectant
Change bacteria filter if wet or discolored
Check collection bottle/jar for cracks, chips, and other damage
Make sure there is a sufficient supply of bacterial filters
Check that float valve moves freely
1-3 months
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Clean or replace air intake filter
Clean brushes on motors as necessary
Inspect power cord and plug
Ensure vacuum works over full range of suction pressures if there is a control/knob
Verify that overflow valve (float valve) works properly when container is filled with water
Grounding resistance between chassis and ground pin should not exceed 0.5 ohms
Common Failures
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Most common: Clogs, Leaks, Motor Failure
Leaks:
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Tube blockage or kink
Missing/damaged parts:
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Tube leak
Jar/lid leak (bad O-ring, possibly)
Bad motor
Bad power supply
No collection bottle
No filter
Clogged bacterial filter
Float valve closes air pathway with full collection jar
Insufficient pressure/suction
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Ventilation grill obstructed
Suction control knob is set to a low setting
Diaphragm needs cleaning or replacing
Brushes need cleaning
Motor needs lubrication
Basic
Troubleshooting
Basic
Troubleshooting