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.