Industries needing Medical Suction Pumps
On the basis of suction parts, the medical suction devices market is segmented into vacuum pump, bacterial filter, vacuum gauge, moisture or debris trap. In the wake of how the world has gone in the challenges we have seen from COVID, these machines have very much seen a resurgence. The market may have peaked though for sure they are vital in terms of how they work in a medical setting.
Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps have been the main stay of laboratory vacuum applications. These machines offer low initial investment costs. That said, they are a vital part of how key medical processes are able to work. Suction of the mouth and pharynx area is rendered extremely simple. It is also seen as most effective by the use of our robust suction devices. Clearing of the airways is one of the first measures to be taken. This is in order to ensure adequate oxygen supply. It is also where and how these pumps are so widely needed and used.
So heavily used by the emergency services
The emergency medical services are called out to emergencies over 30,000 times a day in the UK alone. Emergency personnel often find themselves in situations where they immediately need to use a suction device. Respiratory secretions, blood, or other foreign bodies, such as pieces of food, can interrupt the patient’s breathing. It can even result in respiratory arrest. Clearing the patient’s airways of obstructions using a portable suction medical pump is often the first life-saving measure to be performed during an emergency response. A reliable suction device in emergency situations ensures survival and allows the emergency medical services to start providing effective ventilation for the patient.
The importance of having a good overall battery life
It’s not enough for a unit to market itself as portable. It must actually be portable for people of varying sizes and strengths. This requires a lightweight unit that can fit into a tactical bag or on a crash cart without crowding out other vital supplies. Particularly in tactical emergency situations, you may have to suction several patients in short order. That means there will be little time to recharge a unit with weak battery power. With this, it’s important to select a unit with a long battery life. A unit that charges more quickly offers more stability and flexibility, so ask about battery charging time, too.
A good battery life can also allow the device to be able to be used in the most robust of environments too. From hospitals to battle fields and so much more. This also means the equipment will be all the more effective and reliable.
Maintenance costs
In a perfect world, your medical suction machine would never break or need maintenance. Our world is sadly imperfect, and there’s a huge continuum of maintenance costs among suction machines. Ask the company you’re considering buying from how long you can expect the unit to last and how frequently it will need maintenance. The best units offer a solid warranty. Ask also about a testing kit. You don’t want to find out that a unit doesn’t work while you’re tending to an ailing patient. Many companies offer testing kits that enable you to assess battery life and stability, as well as suction power, each time you turn on the unit. This means you can be more prepared for any further wear and tear and maintenance costs that could arise.
Cases and the role of these devices in this day and age
Increasing cases of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, acute lower respiratory tract infections, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a major factor facilitating the market growth. According to a report by World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 262 million people around the world were affected by asthma. It caused nearly 461000 fatalities in the year of 2019.
Medical suction devices play a crucial role in a wide range of medical procedures such as removing saliva, mucus, and other fluids from the respiratory track with the help of a vacuum. Thus, with the increasing prevalence of respiratory illnesses, demand for these devices is likely to spur in the coming year.
So heavily used by the NHS
Traditionally, hospitals ensure a patient’s airway is clear by utilising suction that relies on central wall piped vacuum. However, guidance published by the National Health Service (NHS) advises hospitals against using piped vacuum to support infectious disease units (IDU). This is also to reduce the risk of virus spread and cross-contamination. A previous study looking at contamination rates for wall-mounted suction units discovered contamination on over 30% of devices. Hence, portable medical suction machines are recommended for COVID-19 care.
Used during COVID-19
While most patients with COVID-19 recover over time without the need for special treatment. In more critical cases the infection can trigger pneumonia. It can cause the lungs to become more inflamed and fill with fluid. Research shows approximately 14% of COVID-19 patients require hospitalisation and oxygen support. While a further 5% require admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). They also require supportive therapies such as intubation and ventilation. Standard of care in the ICU requires each patient to be provided with a single suction device. This helps to decrease the risk of lung infections, prolonged hypoxia, and pooling of secretions in the lung.
How the market looks at present
Increasing incidence of chronic respiratory diseases such as acute lower respiratory tract infections and asthma are propelling the demand for medical suction devices. The rising number of surgical procedures across the globe is accelerating the sales of medical suction devices. These sales are likely to stay steady and the number of uses of these devices is also likely to stay wide and varied.
Overall
The global market for medical suction pumps is highly fragmented and competitive in nature due to the presence of large number of local as well as global players in the business landscape. Companies are focusing on launching new products in order to expand their product portfolio and gain advantage over other competitors. COVID has for sure had a say in this and In time to come there will still be a wide demand for these devices.