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Ann Thorac Surg 2000;69:998-1001
© 2000 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC

A new portable chest drainage device

^a Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Modena, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Address reprint requests to Dr Lodi, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy
e-mail: rlodi{at}unimo.it

Background. Persistent air leak is a frequent complication in lung operation. The Heimlich valve is the standard system for venting the pleural cavity. The device achieves good results and is well tolerated, but the main problem is when air leak is associated with fluid leakage.

Methods. In order to improve the outpatient management of persistent air and fluid drainage after resectional procedures, we developed an original device. It is a portable system provided with a one-way valve connected to the chest tube for drainage of air and fluid, a reservoir for collecting fluid, and a one-way exhaust valve to evacuate air from the bag.

Results. We analyze the advantages of our device versus the Heimlich valve in the first series of 18 selected patients. Our system is drier and cleaner, easier to manage, and ambulatory visits are seldom needed. There is also a cost savings.

Conclusions. Our device enhances ambulation, independence, and the quality of life of the patients, and decreases the need for hospital and outpatient care.

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Invited commentary

Robert J. Cerfolio
Ann. Thorac. Surg. 2000 69: 1001. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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