REMOVAL of excessive quantities of foreign material, such as mucus, blood, or regurgitated formula, from the upper respiratory passages of infants is not a new problem. In the hospital suitable suction apparatus for this purpose is usually available, but in the home or the office, when faced with emergencies, the pediatrician often has no quick, safe, and adequate source of suction.
Because it was recognized that in such difficult circumstances a conveniently portable and inexpensive suction apparatus might well be lifesaving, the bulb suction apparatus was developed. It is neither too bulky nor too expensive for ownership by the practitioner.
APPARATUS
The apparatus (Fig.)1 has been designed as simply as possible in order to aid the physician working alone and to facilitate cleaning and care of the equipment. It is composed of a round-tipped, multiple-opening catheter which is attached to the suction bulb by a glass adapter. The catheter