The suction catheter (1) has a main suction tube (2) and a side tube (3) which towards the proximal end (7) of the catheter split into two independent tubes to form connections to a suction source for the main tube and a source for air or an irrigating fluid for the side tube. In the main part of the catheter, the suction tube and the side tube form a one-piece construction separated internally by a dividing wall (4). The distal ends of the suction tube and the side tubes are open and the dividing wall between them has a U-shaped cut-out at the end which connects the two tubes in the distal end area. Suction is used to remove mucus from bronchial tubes through the suction tube, while simultaneously air or an irrigating fluid is fed down the side tube to remove obstructions at the end of the catheter.
