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| Typical Number in Hospital: 1 | Cost Bands: 5 | References: 2 |
It is common in larger hospitals to have a central large vacuum pump and reservoir connected to a distribution network of pipes to the operating theatres and wards to operate various medical suction devices (aspirators). The pipes are terminated by self closing non-interchangeable valves similar to the piped medical gas outlets. Suction units may be plugged into these terminals to provide suction for drawing mucus and vomit from the throat and airways and possibly for wound drainage. The suction units therefore plug into the wall vacuum points and provide a variable vacuum pressure. The pipeline normally contains filters for bacteria and traps to prevent any liquid or debris from being accidentally drawn in and infecting any other parts of the system. It is usual to have two pumps and reservoirs to permit maintenance without shutdown of the system.
Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown. See Title Page for more details