In a closed suction system, the catheter sits inside a protective sleeve that stays connected to the ventilator circuit. Suctioning is performed without disconnecting the patient from the ventilator, and the catheter is rinsed through a cleaning valve without opening the system. The documented facts on this site for closed suction come from the closed suction catheter detail page: single use, EO sterilization, 5-year shelf life, and 11 listed variants in sizes 5Fr to 16Fr.
In an open suction system, the circuit is disconnected for each suction pass, a fresh single-use catheter is used, and the catheter is discarded after the pass. Open suction is the long-established method in settings without a closed system in place, and it remains in use where closed systems are not stocked or not suitable for the patient.
What differs in practice
- Ventilation continuity: closed systems keep the circuit connected; open systems interrupt it for each pass.
- Environmental exposure: the closed sleeve separates the catheter from the room environment between passes.
- Workflow: closed systems rinse in place; open systems use a new catheter per pass.
- Stocking: closed systems are stocked by variant and size; open systems are stocked by catheter size and tip type.
Neither side of this comparison is a claim about any product line other than the closed suction catheter documented on this site. Follow the clinical unit's own suctioning protocol and the instructions for use for the product ordered.