Vacuum aspiration

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Vacuum aspiration

Vacuum aspiration, also called suction aspiration, is a minor surgical procedure used to clear the contents of the uterus during the first trimester of pregnancy. A thin, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted into the uterus, and a specially designed syringe or pump is used to suction out all tissue contained in the uterus.

Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) can be used between 5 and 12 weeks after the last menstrual period. A hollow tube is passed through the cervix and into the uterus, and a handheld syringe is used to apply suction through the thin tube. MVA can be performed safely in a clinic or medical office setting.

Machine vacuum aspiration is the most common abortion method used in the first 5 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. First, the cervix is opened (dilated) and antibiotics are given to prevent infection. A hollow tube (attached to a bottle and pump) is then passed into the uterus, the pump is turned on, and all tissue is gently removed from the uterus.

Vacuum aspiration is also used to empty the uterus after an incomplete miscarriage.

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Author	Healthwise Medical Writer
Editor	Healthwise Content Area Manager
Associate Editor	Healthwise Associate Editor
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Rebecca H. Allen, MD, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	September 29, 2008

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Last updated:	September 29, 2008
Author:	Healthwise Medical Writer
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Rebecca H. Allen, MD, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Healthwise Content Area Manager, Healthwise Associate Editor

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