Suction Pumps

Topics

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

Diagrams

Connection Tubing

Vacuum Gauge

Power Switch

Power Source Indicator

Vacuum Regulator

Power Input/Electrical Input Receptacle

Power Cord

Collection Container

Patient Tubing Input

Battery Condition Indicators

Collection Container Holder

Shell Air Intake Barb

Vacuum Power Indicator

Diagrams

Vacuum regulator

Motor

Vacuum gauge

Grounding plate

Grounding ribbon

Electrical input receptacle

Air intake from collection container

Air exhaust from Pump

Air intake to pump

Diagrams

Power Supply

Power Distribution Board

Battery

Applications Used to remove fluid from body cavities Removal of:

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 Pumps come in direct contact with bodily fluids

Wash hands immediately after removing gloves Never fill the collection container more than 75% full

Liquid will enter pump

Before using, read the owner's manual

Operation 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

Check all components and connections for tight fit Turn suction pump on (on/off electrical switch) Crimp tubing coming from the collection bottle inlet

In order to test full range of suction

Adjust suction to desired level while observing vacuum gauge Initiate suction procedure

Preventive Maintenance Daily

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 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 Most common: Clogs, Leaks, Motor Failure Leaks:

Tube leak Jar/lid leak (bad O-ring, possibly)

Tube blockage or kink Missing/damaged parts:

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

Ventilation grill obstructed Suction control knob is set to a low setting Diaphragm needs cleaning or replacing Brushes need cleaning Motor needs lubrication

Basic Trouble-shooting

Basic Trouble-shooting