What Are Suction Regulators Used for in a Clinical Setting?

From the ER to the OR, suction regulators are unsung heroes in patient care.

These compact devices play a critical role in removing fluids, controlling secretions, and maintaining visibility during life-saving procedures.

Whether managing an airway emergency or maintaining surgical field clarity, suction regulators ensure the vacuum pressure delivered to patients is safe, precise, and adjustable.

They aren’t just equipment—they’re clinical control systems that protect both patients and staff during unpredictable moments.

How Suction Regulators Work

Suction regulators function by connecting to a hospital’s central vacuum system and converting high negative pressure into a controlled, adjustable level that’s safe for clinical use.

They help clinicians:

• Clear airways during emergencies
• Drain the stomach during or after surgery
• Manage surgical site visibility
• Reduce contamination from fluids
• Stabilize post-op patients in ICU settings

Used in ORs, ICUs, recovery rooms, trauma bays, and bedside care, suction regulators are essential anytime precise removal of fluids or secretions is needed.

Types of Suction Modes (and When to Use Them)

Different clinical scenarios require different suction patterns. Here’s a breakdown of the three most common modes:

1. Continuous Suction

• Delivers steady suction for extended use
• Ideal for GI decompression (e.g., draining stomach contents via NG tube)

2. Intermittent Suction

• Pulses suction on and off at set intervals
• Commonly used for post-op patients to avoid tissue trauma and preserve mucosa

3. Full-Line Suction

• Highest vacuum levels (usually > 500 mmHg)
• Used for rapid evacuation in trauma or high-volume hemorrhage

The wrong pressure or setting can cause serious tissue damage—precision is essential.

Why Suction Regulators Matter in Surgery

During procedures, suction regulators:

• Improve visibility by clearing blood and fluids from the surgical field
• Prevent cross-contamination from fluid splash or pooling
• Support surgical efficiency by minimizing delays caused by poor visibility

Surgeons rely on suction regulators to manage the unexpected—ensuring they can focus on the procedure, not the cleanup.

Looking for a Smarter Suction Solution?

Not all suction regulators are created equal. Boehringer Suction Regulators are built with:

• True precision control (even under fluctuating hospital vacuum conditions)
• Durability for 24/7 use
• Easy-to-read displays and low-profile designs for space-limited environments

Whether it’s trauma care, post-op recovery, or operating room prep, Boehringer Suction Regulators deliver reliability clinicians can count on.