Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly and method of use thereof for reducing microbial load in an airway of a patient. The assembly includes a miniature vacuum unit. The miniature vacuum unit includes a housing, at least one air inlet configured in the housing for air intake; a vacuum motor for sucking the air through the at least one air inlet; vents configured in the housing for blowing the sucked air out of the housing, a filter media covering inner side of the vents, such as the sucked air passes through the filter media, the filter media configured to retain microbes suspended in the sucked air; and at least one suction tube. The suction tube is having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the at least one suction tube configured to sealably and releasably coupled to the at least one air inlet, a plurality of apertures configured in the wall of the suction tube near its distal end. The suction tube configured to be positioned within the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly and method of use thereof for reducing microbial load in an airway of a patient. The assembly includes a miniature vacuum unit. The miniature vacuum unit includes a housing, at least one air inlet configured in the housing for air intake; a vacuum motor for sucking the air through the at least one air inlet; vents configured in the housing for blowing the sucked air out of the housing, a filter media covering inner side of the vents, such as the sucked air passes through the filter media, the filter media configured to retain microbes suspended in the sucked air; and at least one suction tube. The suction tube is having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the at least one suction tube configured to sealably and releasably coupled to the at least one air inlet, a plurality of apertures configured in the wall of the suction tube near its distal end. The suction tube configured to be positioned within the mouth of the patient.