Portable Airway-Suction Systems: A Comparison of Performance

Abstract

A number of portable suction systems (powered either manually, pneumatically, or electrically) are available. We compared the performance of three electric systems (Laerdal Medical LSU, Laerdal Medical CSU, and Matrx Medical) and two manual systems (Vitalograph Emergency Aspirator and California Medical V-VAC) to wall suction set at maximum pressure of 300 torr [39.9 kPa]. METHODS: We determined the maximum pressure each system was capable of generating, and we measured the volume of imitation maple syrup each system at maximum pressure could suction within 5 seconds and the time required by each system at maximum pressure to suction 150 mL of syrup. In addition, we evaluated the life of each electric system's internal battery. RESULTS: All the electric systems were capable of generating suction pressure > 300 torr [39.9 kPa]. The amount of time required by the electric systems to suction 150 mL of syrup was not significantly different from that required by wall suction. In 5 seconds, wall suction suctioned a significantly greater volume of syrup than did the Matrx Medical system (p>0.05, ANOVA), but a significantly smaller volume of syrup than did the Laerdal Medical CSU system (p < 0.05, ANOVA). The manual Vitalograph Emergency Aspirator was capable of generating 300 torr [39.9 kPa] pressure, but the California Medical V-VAC was not. Wall suction significantly outperformed both of the manual systems when volume of syrup suctioned in 5 seconds and time required to suction 150 mL of syrup were compared (p>0.05 ANOVA). All electric systems were capable of maintaining maximum suction > 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Although statistically significant differences in performance were observed between the portable systems and wall suction, all portable systems exceeded performances required clinically. Even the California Medical V-VAC system, whose performance least resembled that of wall suction, proved capable of generating a maximum pressure exceeding the standard suction pressure (120-150 torr [16.0-20.0 kPa]) used in adults. However, of concern is the fact that none of these portable systems have pressure regulators, and all except the California Medical V-VAC are capable of generating dangerously high suction pressures.