Advanced-Capabilities Medical Suction Device

摘要

NASA has long recognized the difficulty in providing emergency medical care to astronauts in space. Many aspects of space travel make medical care inherently difficult, and sufficient storage space for medical equipment severely limits the ability to carry a full complement of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment onboard. The Microgravity Compatible Medical Suction Device (MCMSD) enables aspiration and containment of bodily fluids and vomitus, while preventing the transmission of infectious agents. Many medical procedures require aspiration to remove saliva and blood during dental procedures; blood and loose tissue during surgery; or vomit, mucus, and saliva during airway management. Aspirated material is trapped in a collection vessel, which prevents exposure of medical personnel and the environment to biological hazards.