Yankauer Suction Catheter: Sizes and Clinical Applications

The Yankauer suction catheter, a staple in medical settings since its invention in 1907 by Dr. Sidney Yankauer, is designed for efficient fluid and secretion removal. This article explores its size variations and clinical applications, providing insights for healthcare professionals and procurement teams.

Key Sizes of Yankauer Suction Catheters

Yankauer catheters are available in multiple sizes to accommodate diverse clinical needs:

1. Diameter (French Scale)

Adult Use: Ranges from Fr12 to Fr24 (3/16" to 9/32" outer diameter) for rapid suction during surgeries or trauma cases.

Pediatric/Neonatal Use: Smaller sizes like Fr5 to Fr10 minimize tissue trauma in delicate procedures.

2. Length Options

Short-length catheters (50 cm–1.8 m): Ideal for oral/nasal suction in bedside care or emergency airway management.

Extended-length catheters (2.5 m–3.6 m): Used in operating rooms or ICUs where mobility and sterile field maintenance are critical.

3. Tip Designs

Crown tip: Prevents tissue entrapment during deep wound or surgical suction.

Vented tip: Allows controlled suction pressure via a side port.

Clinical Applications by Size

1. Surgical Settings

Large-bore catheters (Fr18–24): Efficiently clear blood and irrigation fluids during abdominal or thoracic surgeries. Curved designs enhance ergonomics.

Medium sizes (Fr12–16): Used in ENT procedures for mucus and debris removal.

2. Critical Care

Closed-system catheters (Fr14–18): Reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia risks in intubated patients by maintaining airway sterility.

3. Emergency & Pediatrics

Fr5–10 catheters: Safely manage secretions in neonatal resuscitation or pediatric emergencies.

4. Homecare

Disposable models (Fr12–16): Simplify chronic secretion management for tracheostomy patients.

Choosing the Right Catheter

Patient age and anatomy: Match catheter diameter to airway size.

Procedure type: Opt for longer, rigid catheters in surgeries; flexible tips suit nasal suction.

Infection control: Prefer single-use, CE/ISO-certified catheters for high-risk settings.

Conclusion

The Yankauer suction catheter’s versatility in sizes—from neonatal Fr5 to adult Fr24—ensures adaptability across surgical, emergency, and homecare scenarios. Understanding these variations helps optimize patient outcomes and operational efficiency. For bulk procurement, suppliers like Alibaba offer ISO-compliant options in customizable lengths and tip designs.

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