suctioning?

Question

which is better closed circuit suctioning or convetional suctioning

Answer 1

The key word in your question is "better". Unfortunately, that's relative. If you're defining it in terms of cost-effectiveness, the closed circuit suctioning wins hands down... as you can used it repeatedly (particularly if you have a patient who requires frequent suctioning). Single use catheters would pile up in the waste basket if your patient required that much frequent suctioning. Closed circuit suction catheters also allow the user to wear conventional gloves as opposed to sterile ones. Again, another cost saving measure.

If you are defining it in terms of versatility, the conventional "kits" can claim some level of versatility. You can suction nasally, orally, even stomas... whereas the closed circuit suction catheter is left to attach solely to the end of an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube.

One side note on versatility though. The closed suction catheter beats the conventional in diluent convenience. You can instill saline quickly and cleanly with a closed suction system. With a regular catheter you're left with patients hacking the diluent back out the opening.

Which then leads us to infection control. Which one is better in terms of reduced pathogen transmission? There have been plenty of studies on the topic. Most agree that the closed system is less prone to "bug" transmission and growth in the patient system. Regular suction kits require opening of the artificial airway (ETT/Trach) to access secretions. This makes the patient more susceptible to infection (or so most Infection Control folks will tell you). As mentioned by the previous answer, the regular catheter requires more skill and technique. Poor technique can lead to poor hygiene and poor aseptic results.

I think that about covers it. Perhaps someone to add something I've missed.

Answer 2

It depends really.
Closed circuit suctioning, being closed, can allow for bacteria to remain in the circuit if not disposed of and reused a subsequent time. Generally used in ICU, single use only.
Conventional suctioning, if not prepared and done properly, will be non-sterile and also may cause pulmonary infection.