A good rule of thumb when selecting a suction catheter for use in an artificial airway is to choose one that does not exceed:

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The general rule of thumb is to choose a suction catheter that does not exceed 1/2 of the inner diameter of the artificial airway. This allows for adequate suctioning without causing trauma or damage to the airway. Choosing a catheter that is too large can cause trauma to the airway, while choosing one that is too small may not effectively suction secretions.

A Good Rule of Thumb When Selecting a Suction Catheter