A respiratory suction catheter apparatus includes a suction catheter that has a tubular portion with a distal end. The suction catheter may be adapted for removing fluids from a patient by insertion of the tubular portion into an artificial airway of the patient and application of negative pressure to a lumen of the tubular portion. A catheter attachment section is present and has a proximal end that is attached to the suction catheter, and has a distal end that is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. A valve is located in the catheter attachment section. The valve has a closed position that at least substantially blocks the passageway of the catheter attachment section which causes the tubular portion to be substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient. The valve has an open position that allows the tubular portion of the suction catheter to be advanced through the catheter attachment section and into the artificial airway of the patient.