Vacuum aspiration

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Vacuum aspiration

Vacuum aspiration, also called suction aspiration, is a minor surgical procedure used to clear the contents of the uterus during the first trimester of pregnancy. A thin, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted into the uterus, and a specially designed syringe or pump is used to suction out all tissue contained in the uterus.

Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) can be used between 3 and 7 weeks after the last menstrual period. A hollow tube is passed through the cervix and into the uterus, and a handheld syringe is used to apply suction through the thin tube. MVA can be performed safely in a clinic or medical office setting.

Machine vacuum aspiration is the most common abortion method used in the first 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. First, the cervix is opened (dilated) and antibiotics are given to prevent infection. A hollow tube (attached to a bottle and pump) is then passed into the uterus, the pump is turned on, and all tissue is gently removed from the uterus.

Vacuum aspiration is also used to empty the uterus after an incomplete miscarriage.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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