Vacum suction abortion uses aspiration to remove uterine contents through the cervix was pioneered in 1958 by Drs Wu Yuantai and Wu Xianzhen in China. Suction is created with either an electric pump (electric vacuum aspiration or EVA) or a manual pump (manual vacuum aspiration or MVA).
Local anesthetic can be used to numb the cervix, a dilator is used to open the cervix and then a cannula is inserted into the uterus attached via tubing to the pump to empty the contents of the uterus. Vacuum aspiration may be used earlier in pregnancy than dilation and curettage (D&C).
Manual vacuum aspiration is the only surgical abortion procedure available earlier than the 6th week of pregnancy. Vacuum aspiration has lower rates of complications when compared to D&C. Vacuum aspiration - especially manual vacuum aspiration - is significantly cheaper than D&C.
Manual vacuum aspiration does not require electricity and so can be provided in locations that have unreliable electrical service or none at all. Manual vacuum aspiration also has the advantage of being quiet, without the noise of an electric vacuum pump. Vacuum aspiration - especially manual vacuum aspiration - is significantly cheaper than D&C