MTP suction cannula - history, dimensions, uses & precautions


 What is MTP suction cannula?

A pregnancy can be ended medically (medical termination of pregnancy, or MTP) before it is fully developed. An MTP suction cannula is one of the tools utilised in this technique.

Overview / Product Profile of MTP suction cannula:

An MTP suction cannula is a tiny, thin tube having a suction port at one end. During a medical abortion, it is utilised to remove the pregnant tissue from the uterus. The uterus is entered through the cervix, and the cannula is then used to suck out the tissue associated with pregnancy. This technique, which can be completed at a clinic or doctor's office, is mostly carried out during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Dimensions:

Outer diameter: 

Typically MTP suction cannula ranges from 2.5 mm to 4.0 mm.

Inner diameter: 

Usually MTP suction cannula ranges from 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

Length: 

Normally MTP suction cannula ranges from 15 cm to 30 cm.

Angulation of the tip:

Mostly MTP suction cannula ranges from 0 degrees to 30 degrees.

Note: The above dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific design of the instrument. It's always advisable to consult with the manufacturer's specifications and guidance for accurate measurements.

Uses of MTP suction cannula:

1) Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) in the first trimester: MTP suction cannula is used to perform an abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is considered the safest period to terminate a pregnancy.
2) Limited gestational age: The MTP suction cannula can be used when the pregnancy is up to 12 weeks or sometimes up to 14 weeks, depending on the clinic or facility and local laws.
3) Failed medication abortion: The suction cannula can be used for patients who can't take the abortion pill or for the case of failed medication abortion.
4) Removal of retained products of conception: In some cases, a suction cannula can be used to remove retained products of conception following a miscarriage or abortion.
5) Management of ectopic pregnancy: In rare cases, MTP suction cannula may be used to manage ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
6) Management of Missed abortion: In case of Missed abortion, where fetus dies but not removed naturally, the MTP suction cannula may be used to remove the fetus and placenta.

Precautions with MTP suction cannula:

1) A detailed evaluation of the pregnancy and the patient's overall health should be done before performing the procedure
2) Informed consent should be taken before performing the procedure.
3) Proper sterilization and aseptic technique should be followed when using the MTP suction cannula to minimize the risk of infection.
4) Proper precautions should be taken to manage any complications that may occur during or after the procedure
5) Follow-up care is crucial to ensure that the patient is recovering well after the procedure and to detect and manage any complications that may occur.

History of MTP suction cannula:

The MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) suction cannula has a long history that begins in the early 20th century. Since the 1920s, when it was utilised in both Europe and the United States, suction has been used to end pregnancies. A more modern approach to abortion, like the use of drugs, generally supplanted the technique, which was thought to be risky.

Suction curettage, also known as vacuum aspiration, became more commonly utilised as an abortion technique in the 1950s, especially in Europe. The pregnant tissue was removed from the uterus during this surgery using a MTP suction cannula. In the first trimester of pregnancy, this technique became the most popular one and is still in use today.

For vacuum aspiration, new methods and better tools have been created over the past few decades. This included the invention of new and improved cannulas with various diameters and tip angles to accommodate various gestational ages, as well as the introduction of electric suction machines, which increased the procedure's efficiency and effectiveness.

In the modern era, MTP suction cannulas are regarded as a secure and reliable way to end a pregnancy in the first trimester when applied by qualified and trained healthcare personnel in the right circumstances.


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