aspiration

aspiration /as·pi·ra·tion/ (as″pĭ-ra´shun)

1. the drawing of a foreign substance, such as the gastric contents, into the respiratory tract during inhalation.

2. removal by suction, as the removal of fluid or gas from a body cavity or the procurement of biopsy specimens.

---

meconium aspiration  aspiration of meconium by the fetus or newborn, which may result in atelectasis, emphysema, pneumothorax, or pneumonia.

microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration  (MESA) retrieval of sperm from the epididymis using microsurgical techniques, done in men with obstructive azoospermia.

vacuum aspiration  removal of the uterine contents by application of a vacuum through a hollow curet or a cannula introduced into the uterus.

---

as·pi·ra·tion (sp-rshn)

n.

1. The removal of a gas or fluid by suction.

2. The sucking of fluid or a foreign body into the airway when drawing breath.

3. A surgical technique used in the treatment of cataracts of the eye, in which an incision is made into the cornea, the lens capsule is severed, and the material of the lens is fragmented and aspirated by a needle.

---

Aspiration

When solids or liquids that should be swallowed into the stomach are instead breathed into the respiratory system, or when substances from the outside environment are accidentally breathed into the lungs.

Mentioned in: Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy, Brain Abscess, Chlamydial Pneumonia, Fibroadenoma, Hydrocelectomy, Inhalation Therapies, Lung Abscess, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Pneumonia

---

aspiration

[as′pirā′shən]

1 drawing in or out by suction.

2 the act of withdrawing a fluid, such as mucus or serum, from the body by a suction device. See also aspiration pneumonia. aspirate, n.

---

aspiration (as´pirā´shn),

n 1. the act of breathing or drawing in.
n 2. the removal of fluids, gases, or solids from a cavity by means of a vacuum pump.

aspiration biopsy,

n See aspiration, fine needle (FNA).

aspiration, fine needle (FNA),

n the procedure of obtaining a biopsy specimen by aspiration through a needle; used for diagnosing bone or deep soft tissue lesions. Also known as a
needle biopsy.

aspiration pneumonia,

n pneumonia produced by aspiration of foreign material into the lungs.

---

aspiration

1. the act of inhaling. Pathological aspiration of vomitus or mucus into the respiratory tract may occur when a patient is unconscious or under the effects of a general anesthetic.

2. removal of fluids or gases from a cavity by the aid of suction.

---

aspiration biopsy

see biopsy.

aspiration pneumonia

is the result of inhalation or aspiration of infected solid or liquid material into the lungs. Large volumes of aspirate cause asphyxia, smaller amounts cause a necrotic or gangrenous pneumonia, in anterior and ventral parts of the lung. There is profound toxemia, cough, gurgling or squeaky rales, and usually an attendant pleurisy producing a friction rub. Called also inhalation pneumonia.

---

aspiration

1. Aspiration 2. The withdrawal of fluid from a body cavity or a mass–eg a cyst with a needle and a syringe by suction or siphonage, such as a syringe. See Gastric aspiration, Paracentesis.

---

Patient discussion about aspiration.

Q. What Causes Aspiration Pneumonia? My father is hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia. What causes this?

A. Aspiration pneumonia is often caused by an incompetent swallowing mechanism, such as occurs in some forms of neurological disease (a common cause being strokes) or while a person is intoxicated. Another cause is during general anaesthesia for an operation and patients are therefore instructed to not eat or drink for at least four hours before surgery.