The “Meconium Aspirator”: Still a Useful Tool during Newborn Resuscitation

The neonatal tracheal aspiration device, commonly called the “meconium aspirator,” has traditionally been used to remove meconium from the trachea of infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). However, it can also be used to clear other material such as amniotic fluid, vernix, blood, and cellular debris.[1] In 2015, the practice of resuscitating infants born through MSAF was changed. No longer is intubation and tracheal aspiration indicated for nonvigorous newborns. Instead, the resuscitation of newborns with MSAF now follows the same principles as the resuscitation of newborns with clear amniotic fluid. This has led some to believe that the meconium aspirator no longer has a role during neonatal resuscitation. However, despite the 2015 changes in neonatal resuscitation guidelines, the meconium aspirator remains an important piece of equipment for newborn resuscitation. In this perspective, we review the history of tracheal aspiration of the newborn, describe the devices used for tracheal aspiration, and examine the current indications for tracheal aspiration, highlighting the continued status of the “meconium” aspirator as a useful tool during newborn resuscitation.

Authors' Contributions

Dr. Chabra, Dr. Sawyer, and Dr. Strand conceptualized and designed this article, drafted the initial article, and reviewed and revised the article. All authors approved the final article as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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