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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 tube (cannula) is inserted into the uterus. Then a specially designed syringe or pump is used to suction out all tissue contained in the uterus.
This is the most common abortion method used in the first 5 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is also used to empty the uterus after a miscarriage.
Current as of: August 2, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Rebecca H. Allen MD, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology & JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine
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