The preferred aspiration pump models are those that limit vacuum to a predetermined rate and have an appropriate safety cutoff pressure, to avoid hazardous excessive vacuum.
Adjustable suction should be provided on pleural drainage pumps with a maximum setting of 50 cm H2O, and a maximum flow rate of >20 L/min measured at open flow. This should prevail over high negative intrapleural pressures in some patients.
Aspiration pumps with no control system that limits suction to 200 cm H2O must be used with a disposable chest drainage unit, which provides this safety feature.
When using reusable canisters for collection with a pleural drainage pump, facilities should consider their price and availability, as well as the cost of sterilization.
Aspiration pump units with a collection system must have overflow protection or some other method to prevent contamination.

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