What is suctioning technique for an artificial airway?

Suctioning an artificial airway uses sterile technique. Hyperoxygenate the patient with 100 percent oxygen before suctioning. Insert the suction catheter without suction applied until resistance is met or the patient coughs, then withdraw slowly while applying intermittent suction, rotating the catheter. Limit each suctioning pass to 10 to 15 seconds to prevent hypoxia. Allow the patient to recover and reoxygenate between passes. Assess breath sounds before and after to evaluate effectiveness.