Low Cost, Low Power 12VDC Surgical Suction Device for Use in Developing Countries

In developing countries, many clinics have unreliable power or no access to grid power at all. Doctors in these countries must delay or cancel life-saving surgeries because they are unable to power necessary medical equipment. In this paper we describe a low-cost surgical suction device which can be used for cesarean sections and altered for tracheotomies and mucus removal from the trachea. This device will primarily be used to clear the operating field of blood and other fluids for more visibility during surgeries. Powering options can include rechargeable batteries charged by the Solar Suitcase (www.wecaresolar.org), any 12 VDC battery (car or motorcycle battery), or grid power when available. Introducing this cost-effective, energy efficient 12VDC medical device offers a paradigm shift in terms of sanitation, accessibility and usability. This inexpensive, sustainable device holds the potential to reduce mortality rates by minimizing complications such as obstructed maternal labor as well as improving hygienic conditions to lower risk of infection.