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Poole (Pool) Suction

Poole suction is a large-volume operative suction pattern used for pooled blood and irrigant in abdominal or pelvic fields. A perforated outer sleeve distributes aspiration over many openings rather than concentrating it at one exposed cannula tip. This reduces, but does not eliminate, tissue grab.[1][2]

Design​

  • Inner suction cannula within a removable perforated outer sleeve on common models. CONMED's single-use Poole has a movable or removable sleeve and describes three positions from sump to focused suction; its sleeve has 132 eyes.[1]
  • Distributed openings allow pooled fluid to reach the cannula while lowering the tendency to draw mobile tissue onto a single tip. Omentum, bowel, grafts and suture lines can still be captured, especially if the sleeve is retracted or the suction source is excessive.
  • Reusable variants exist. The ICRC/IFRC catalog lists a metal, double-tube Poole with a screw-off outer sleeve for abdominal surgery. Reprocessing must follow the exact manufacturer's validated instructions.[2]

Key Uses​

  • Large-volume fluid evacuation (blood, ascites, irrigation) during abdominal cases
  • Evacuation during intraperitoneal spillage
  • General abdominal / pelvic irrigation when the surgeon can keep the openings visible and away from delicate tissue

Contrast with Yankauer​

The Yankauer offers a more focused open-field tip; a Poole's perforated sleeve is useful for larger fluid pools. Neither design makes suction against delicate tissue safe. Remove or retract a sleeve for pinpoint suction only when the exact device permits it and direct visualization can protect nearby structures.[1]

See also: Frazier Suction.

References​

1. CONMED. Suction Instruments and Tubing: Poole product and catalog. 2024.

2. ICRC/IFRC. Standard products catalogue: Frazier, Yankauer and Poole suction tubes. Updated 2018.