What is a suction canister?
A suction canister is a temporary storage container for
secretions or fluids removed from the body. These fluids
or secretions may come from the patient’s lungs, stomach
or wounds. The suction canister may be seen attached to
the wall of the patient’s room or resting on the floor
next to the patient’s bed.
How is the suction canister
used?
The suction canister has at least two outlets for
tubing. One of the tubes is attached to a suction source
and the other to the patient. The suction source (which
may be a wall outlet or a portable compressor) generates
a negative pressure in the canister that helps to drain
the fluids or secretions from the patient. The other
tube is connected to the patient. Examples of tubes that
are used with the suction canister include nasogastric,
respiratory suction catheter, G-tube, and wound drains.
What are the potential
complications associated with the use of the suction
canister?
Suction canisters are very reliable and rarely are
associated with complications. The amount of suction
applied to the patient is monitored carefully.
Occasionally the suction may cause irritation to the
tissue at the end of the tubing.
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Suction Canister 
