Which cannulae fit the Ipas manual vacuum aspiration syringe?
BACKGROUND
The Ipas double-valve manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) syringe is an alternative to electrical vacuum aspiration.


METHODS
This study determines which US cannulae (flexible, rigid-straight and rigid-curved) work with the Ipas MVA syringe. Cannulae from Ipas, MedGyn, Berkeley and Milex, in sizes 6-12 mm, were randomized and affixed to the MVA syringe. A pressure gauge was attached to the cannula with rubber tubing. Pressure readings were recorded initially and over 30 s.


RESULTS
Milex cannulae were not compatible. For the remaining brands, initial vacuum pressures ranged from 55 to 65 mmHg. Flexible cannulae from Ipas, Berkeley and MedGyn maintained initial pressures without leaks, as did the 6-12-mm straight- and curved-rigid cannulae by Berkeley. Eight of the 13 tested MedGyn rigid cannulae lost >10% pressure over 30 s.


CONCLUSIONS
Several US manufacturers produce cannulae that fit on the Ipas MVA syringe without a leak, including Ipas flexible cannula; Berkeley flexible, rigid-straight and rigid-curve cannulae and MedGyn flexible cannula, but not their rigid cannulae.
Orbach
David
D
State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Schaff
Eric
E
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011312:Pressure; D011897:Random Allocation; D013594:Syringes / Q000145:classification*; D014619:Vacuum Curettage / Q000295:instrumentation*