What Is Another Name for the Yankauer Suction Catheter? Terminology Guide
What is another name for the Yankauer suction catheter?
The Quick Answer
The Yankauer suction catheter is commonly called a **tonsil tip** or **oral suction tip** due to its original development for tonsillectomy procedures. Its rigid, curved design distinguishes it from flexible tracheal suction catheters—making 'tonsil tip' the clinically recognized alternative name in surgical and emergency settings.
Why We Ask This
Medical students and new clinicians struggle with inconsistent terminology across facilities, causing confusion during urgent airway management when precise equipment requests are critical for patient safety.
The Practical Science
Nomenclature stems from historical use: Dr. Sidney Yankauer developed the device in 1907 specifically for tonsil surgery, leading to the enduring 'tonsil tip' designation in operating rooms despite broader modern applications.
In Clinical Practice
When a circulating nurse hears 'pass the tonsil tip' during an ENT procedure, they immediately recognize the request for the rigid Yankauer device—not a flexible catheter—ensuring appropriate airway clearance without tissue trauma.
References & Context
Yankauer Suction Tube | Surgical Instrument | GerMedUSA Inc."Yankauer Suction Tube is also known as an oral suctioning tool and is widely used in various medical approaches."