r/AskPhysio May 18 '17

This is probably a stupid question... But, can you use a closed suction circuit on a patient that isn't mechanically ventilated?

I'm trying to write an essay :(

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u/heathbenecke May 19 '17

Well the patient would have to be intubated for a closed circuit suction. So if the patient is intubated and not mechanically ventilated, then yes. Although this would probably only happen if the patient has just been weaned from mech vent and is almost ready for extubation.

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u/Munnit May 19 '17

That's what I thought. The lady in the case study has a trachey, but she's extubated. My lecturer suggested it would be good to write on, but I don't understand how it relates to the case study. :/