What Is an Open Suction Catheter?

It's dangerous for patients who cannot effectively cough or clear mucus for a long time. Healthcare providers should take quick measures. In this situation, suction devices are one of the useful devices for removing secretions. This tool can greatly enhance patient comfort and breathing efficiency. There are two types of suction catheters, open and closed ones. In this article, we focus on the open suction catheter.

What Is Exactly an Open Suction Catheter

An open suction catheter is a thin, flexible, sterile tube designed to remove secretions from the airway. It connects to suction tubing and a vacuum source that pulls fluids into a collection container.

The catheter is typically made from soft medical-grade plastic that allows it to bend easily while being inserted into the airway. Each catheter is sterile and intended for single use to reduce the risk of infection.

Open suction catheters are commonly used in:

• hospitals
• emergency departments
• intensive care units
• long-term care facilities
• home respiratory care

The catheter is inserted through an endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube, or sometimes the nose or mouth to reach the airway where secretions collect.

Basic Components of an Open Suction Catheter

Most open suction catheters include several important parts:

• Flexible catheter tube:This is the long portion that enters the airway. It is smooth and flexible to minimize irritation.
• Connector end:The connector attaches to suction tubing connected to a suction machine.
• Control port or vent:This small opening controls when suction is applied. Covering the opening activates suction.
• Side holes near the tip：These help remove mucus efficiently while reducing trauma to airway tissue.

Some models, such as the suction catheter with fingertip control, allow caregivers to control suction by covering a small opening with a finger. This enables intermittent suction and helps prevent excessive pressure.

Another example is the Graduated suction catheter, which includes measurement markings along the tube. These markings help clinicians estimate how deep the catheter has been inserted.

How an Open Suction Catheter Works

Open suctioning removes secretions using negative pressure from a suction machine.

During the procedure, a sterile catheter is inserted into the airway. When suction is applied, mucus and other fluids are drawn through the catheter and into a collection container.

Healthcare providers usually follow several basic steps:

1. Connect the catheter to the suction tubing.
2. Insert the catheter gently into the airway without applying suction.
3. Cover the control port to activate suction.
4. Slowly withdraw the catheter while rotating it.

This technique allows secretions to be removed while reducing irritation to the airway lining.

Each suction attempt typically lasts 10 to 15 seconds to avoid reducing oxygen levels in the patient.

What Are the Advantages of Open Suctioning?

Open suctioning remains widely used in clinical practice because it is simple and effective. Although closed suction systems are common in intensive care units, open suction catheters still play an important role in respiratory care.

Simple Equipment

Open suctioning requires only basic equipment:

• suction machine
• sterile catheter
• suction tubing
• collection container

Because the setup is straightforward, the procedure can be performed quickly in many clinical settings.

Cost-Effective

Open suction catheters are disposable and relatively inexpensive compared with some closed suction systems. This makes them widely available in hospitals and care facilities.

Effective Airway Clearance

Open suctioning provides direct access to the airway. This allows clinicians to remove mucus or fluid effectively.

Clearing secretions can:

• improve airflow
• reduce breathing effort
• prevent mucus plugs
• support better oxygen exchange

Flexible Clinical Use

Open suction catheters can be used in many healthcare environments, including emergency care and home respiratory support.

Nursing Skills Training Video

This video demonstrates airway suctioning techniques commonly taught in nursing education.

Clinical Uses of an Open Suction Catheter

Open suction catheters are used when patients cannot remove airway secretions on their own.

In healthy individuals, coughing clears mucus naturally. However, certain medical conditions may weaken the cough reflex or increase mucus production.

Mechanical Ventilation

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation are unable to cough normally because of the breathing tube. Suctioning helps remove mucus and keeps the airway clear.

Tracheostomy Care

Patients with a tracheostomy often need regular suctioning. Secretions can accumulate inside the tracheostomy tube and block airflow.

Respiratory Infections

Conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis can produce large amounts of mucus. When the patient cannot cough effectively, suctioning may be necessary.

Neuromuscular Conditions

Diseases that affect muscle strength can weaken the ability to cough. Examples include:

• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• spinal cord injuries
• severe stroke

In these cases, suctioning helps maintain airway hygiene and breathing.

Emergency Airway Management

In emergency situations, secretions, blood, or vomit may obstruct the airway. Suctioning is often used to clear the airway before further treatment.

Clinical Training Example

This training video illustrates safe suctioning techniques and common precautions used in clinical practice.

When to Occlude the Side Opening of a Suction Catheter

Many suction catheters include a small opening called a control port or thumb port. This opening allows clinicians to control when suction pressure is applied. 

Pro tips to insert: 

• Insert the catheter without applying suction.
• Cover the control port to activate suction.
• Withdraw the catheter slowly while suctioning.

Applying suction during insertion can irritate airway tissues and increase the risk of injury. Therefore, suction is generally applied only during catheter withdrawal.

Conclusion

Open suction catheters play a vital role for patients who cannot effectively clear secretions on their own. Before using, one must know the difference between closed and open suction catheters. While open suctioning is simple to use, please also follow safety guidelines to minimize risks and ensure patient well-being.