DuCanto Suction Catheter

The DuCanto suction catheter is a purpose‑built airway clearance device designed to rapidly remove high‑volume, viscous secretions, blood, or vomitus from the oropharynx and upper airway. Unlike traditional suction tips, the DuCanto catheter features a wide, atraumatic soft tip and a large internal lumen—typically 10 mm or greater in diameter—to maximize flow rate and minimize the risk of occlusion by thick material. Its flexibility allows the clinician to navigate curvatures of the oropharynx and hypopharynx with minimal mucosal trauma, while the smooth, rounded tip reduces cough reflex and patient discomfort.

Primarily employed in emergency medicine, pre‑hospital care, and critical care settings, the DuCanto catheter excels when rapid, large‑volume evacuation is imperative. In out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest or trauma scenarios, oronasal suctioning with a standard narrow‑bore tip can quickly clog, delaying airway clearance and risking aspiration. By contrast, the DuCanto catheter’s high‑flow design permits continuous suction even in the presence of particulate‑laden fluid, enabling faster restoration of airway patency. It connects directly to standard suction tubing via a universal 15 mm or 22 mm adapter, providing compatibility with most wall or portable suction units.

The catheter's single‑use, sterile packaging ensures infection control and eliminates cross‑contamination risks. Upon opening, the clinician advances the catheter tip into the patient’s mouth or nostril, positioning it above or beyond the level of obstruction. Suction is then applied continuously, drawing secretions into the lumen and away from the airway. Because there is no integrated thumb port for variable flow modulation, the device is optimized for uninterrupted high‑capacity suction rather than fine suction control.

While its strengths lie in bulk fluid removal, the DuCanto catheter is less suited for delicate surgical fields or precise suctioning in close proximity to vital structures. In such contexts, a smaller, rigid Yankauer tip or soft flexible suction catheter may be preferred for targeted aspiration. Nevertheless, when airway compromise is imminent due to massive fluid loads, the DuCanto suction catheter often becomes the instrument of choice.

In summary, the DuCanto catheter combines a wide‑bore lumen, atraumatic soft tip, and flexible shaft to deliver efficient, high‑volume suction in emergency and critical care environments. By reducing clogging and accelerating clearance of viscous secretions, it enhances clinician performance, shortens procedure time, and—most importantly—supports rapid restoration of a patent airway.