Question on trachs & suctioning

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If a patient has a Shiley 6 fenestrated inner cannula, what size suctioning catheter would be the safest to suction the patient with? Would a 10Fr catheter be the appropriate suctioning catheter?

I remember learning that the suctioning catheter cannot be 2x greater than the diameter of the inner cannula.

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Specializes in ER, PCU, UCC, Observation medicine.

You're making me think back to the times I worked on the floor. If I remember correctly all our suction catheters came in one size. So long as you can fit it in the trach I don't think there is any rule you need to follow. But things may have changed I haven't suctioned anyone in over 5 years.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It depends. I've had orders for 1OFr catheter for a size 4 cuff less trach, 8Fr For cuffed size 4. 10-12Fr for a size 7 cuffed. The manufacturers have recommendations for minimum & maximum suction catheter diameter as well as maximum suction depth. Often printed right on the package insert for the trach

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.
It depends. I've had orders for 1OFr catheter for a size 4 cuff less trach, 8Fr For cuffed size 4. 10-12Fr for a size 7 cuffed. The manufacturers have recommendations for minimum & maximum suction catheter diameter as well as maximum suction depth. Often printed right on the package insert for the trach

I would expect a 10 Fr cath for a Shiley or Bivona 6 trach. More to the point, in home care, the size cath would be specifically ordered by the doctor.

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