Managing Chest Drainage

ManagingChest Drainage

ManagingChest Drainage

What you will learnWhat you will learn

• Anatomy & physiology of the chest relating to chest drainage

• Mechanics of breathing

• Conditions requiring pleural chest drainage

• Chest drain basics (3 bottle systems)

• Disposable chest drains

• Anatomy & physiology of the chest relating to chest drainage

• Mechanics of breathing

• Conditions requiring pleural chest drainage

• Chest drain basics (3 bottle systems)

• Disposable chest drains

Thoracic cavityThoracic cavity

• This space is defined by:– Sternum anterior– Thoracic vertebrae posterior– Ribs lateral– Diaphragm inferior

• “Chest wall” composed of ribs, sternum, thoracic vertebrae interlaced with intercostal muscle

• The diaphragm is the “floor” of the thoracic cavity

• This space is defined by:– Sternum anterior– Thoracic vertebrae posterior– Ribs lateral– Diaphragm inferior

• “Chest wall” composed of ribs, sternum, thoracic vertebrae interlaced with intercostal muscle

• The diaphragm is the “floor” of the thoracic cavity

Thoracic cavityThoracic cavity

• Right lung• Left lung• Mediastinum

– Heart– Aorta and great

vessels– Esophagus– Trachea– Thymus

• Right lung• Left lung• Mediastinum

– Heart– Aorta and great

vessels– Esophagus– Trachea– Thymus

Breathing: inspirationBreathing: inspiration

• Brain signals the phrenic nerve

• Phrenic nerve stimulates the diaphragm (muscle) to contract

• When diaphragm contracts, it moves down, making the thoracic cavity larger (keep this in mind as we discuss physics)

• Brain signals the phrenic nerve

• Phrenic nerve stimulates the diaphragm (muscle) to contract

• When diaphragm contracts, it moves down, making the thoracic cavity larger (keep this in mind as we discuss physics)

How does air move into the lungs?How does air move into the lungs?

• Physics is phun!– If you understand the principles of gas flow,

you will understand chest drainage– As pressures change, air moves

• Physics is phun!– If you understand the principles of gas flow,

you will understand chest drainage– As pressures change, air moves

Physics of gasesPhysics of gases

• Air is made up of gas molecules• Gas molecules in a container collide and create

a force• Pressure is the amount of the force created by

the gas molecules moving and colliding

• Air is made up of gas molecules• Gas molecules in a container collide and create

a force• Pressure is the amount of the force created by

the gas molecules moving and colliding

Physics of gases: Boyle’s lawPhysics of gases: Boyle’s law

When temperature is constant, pressure is inversely proportional to volumeWhen temperature is constant, pressure is inversely proportional to volume

• When the volume of a container increases, the pressure decreases

• When the volume of a container decreases, the pressure increases

• If you’re trying to squeeze as many people in a car as possible, they will be under much higher pressure in a VW Beetle than the same number of people would be in a minivan

• When the volume of a container increases, the pressure decreases

• When the volume of a container decreases, the pressure increases

• If you’re trying to squeeze as many people in a car as possible, they will be under much higher pressure in a VW Beetle than the same number of people would be in a minivan

Physics of gases: Boyle’s lawPhysics of gases: Boyle’s law

Physics of GasesPhysics of Gases

If two areas of different pressure communicate, gas will move from the area of higher pressure to the area of lower pressure

This movement of air causes wind when a high pressuresystem is near a low pressuresystem in the atmosphere

If two areas of different pressure communicate, gas will move from the area of higher pressure to the area of lower pressure

This movement of air causes wind when a high pressuresystem is near a low pressuresystem in the atmosphere

Physics of GasesPhysics of Gases

Another example…• Inflated balloon = HIGH (POSITIVE)

PRESSURE• Atmosphere = LOW PRESSURE• Pop the balloon, and air rushes from

an area of high pressure inside the balloon to the low pressure in the atmosphere

Another example…• Inflated balloon = HIGH (POSITIVE)

PRESSURE• Atmosphere = LOW PRESSURE• Pop the balloon, and air rushes from

an area of high pressure inside the balloon to the low pressure in the atmosphere

Breathing: inspirationBreathing: inspiration

• When the diaphragm contracts, it moves down, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity When the volume increases, the pressure inside decreases

• Air moves from an area of higher pressure, the atmosphere, to an area of lower pressure, the lungs

• Pressure within the lungs is called intrapulmonary pressure

• When the diaphragm contracts, it moves down, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity When the volume increases, the pressure inside decreases

• Air moves from an area of higher pressure, the atmosphere, to an area of lower pressure, the lungs

• Pressure within the lungs is called intrapulmonary pressure

Breathing: exhalationBreathing: exhalation

• Exhalation occurs when the phrenic nerve stimulus stops

• The diaphragm relaxes and moves up in the chest

• This reduces the volume of the thoracic cavity

• When volume decreases, intrapulmonary pressure increases

• Air flows out of the lungs to the lower atmospheric pressure

• Exhalation occurs when the phrenic nerve stimulus stops

• The diaphragm relaxes and moves up in the chest

• This reduces the volume of the thoracic cavity

• When volume decreases, intrapulmonary pressure increases

• Air flows out of the lungs to the lower atmospheric pressure

BreathingBreathing

• Remember, this is normally an unconscious process

• Lungs naturally recoil, so exhalation restores the lungs to their resting position

• However, in respiratory distress, particularly with airway obstruction, exhalation can create increased work of breathing as the abdominal muscles try to force air out of the lungs

• Remember, this is normally an unconscious process

• Lungs naturally recoil, so exhalation restores the lungs to their resting position

• However, in respiratory distress, particularly with airway obstruction, exhalation can create increased work of breathing as the abdominal muscles try to force air out of the lungs

Lungs are surrounded by thin tissue called the pleura, a continuous membrane that folds over itself

– Parietal pleura lines the chest wall

– Visceral pleura covers the lung (sometimes called the pulmonary pleura)

Lungs are surrounded by thin tissue called the pleura, a continuous membrane that folds over itself

– Parietal pleura lines the chest wall

– Visceral pleura covers the lung (sometimes called the pulmonary pleura)

Pleural anatomyPleural anatomy

Normally, the two membranes are separated only by the lubricating pleural fluid

Fluid reduces friction, allowing the pleura to slide easily during breathing

Normally, the two membranes are separated only by the lubricating pleural fluid

Fluid reduces friction, allowing the pleura to slide easily during breathing

Pleural anatomyPleural anatomy

Parietal pleuraParietal pleura Visceral pleura Visceral pleura

Normal Pleural Fluid Quantity: Approx. 25mL per lung

Normal Pleural Fluid Quantity: Approx. 25mL per lung

LungLung

RibsIntercostal muscles

Pleural physiologyPleural physiology

• The area between the pleurae is called the pleural space (sometimes referred to as “potential space”)

• Normally, vacuum (negative pressure) in the pleural space keeps the two pleurae together and allows the lung to expand and contract

• During inspiration, the intrapleural pressure is approximately -8cmH20 (below atmosphere)

• During exhalation, intrapleural pressure is approximately -4cmH20

• The area between the pleurae is called the pleural space (sometimes referred to as “potential space”)

• Normally, vacuum (negative pressure) in the pleural space keeps the two pleurae together and allows the lung to expand and contract

• During inspiration, the intrapleural pressure is approximately -8cmH20 (below atmosphere)

• During exhalation, intrapleural pressure is approximately -4cmH20

PressuresPressures

• Intrapulmonary pressure (the pressure in the lung) rises and falls with breathing

• Equalizes to the atmospheric pressure at end-exhalation (defined as 0 cmH2O because other pressures are compared to it as a baseline)

• Intrapleural pressure also fluctuates with breathing ~ 4 cmH2O less than the intrapulmonary pressure

• The pressure difference of 4 cmH2O across the alveolar wall creates the force that keeps the stretched lungs adherent to the chest wall

• Intrapulmonary pressure (the pressure in the lung) rises and falls with breathing

• Equalizes to the atmospheric pressure at end-exhalation (defined as 0 cmH2O because other pressures are compared to it as a baseline)

• Intrapleural pressure also fluctuates with breathing ~ 4 cmH2O less than the intrapulmonary pressure

• The pressure difference of 4 cmH2O across the alveolar wall creates the force that keeps the stretched lungs adherent to the chest wall

When pressures are disruptedWhen pressures are disrupted

If air or fluid enters the pleural space between the parietal and visceral pleura, the -4cmH20 pressure gradient that normally keeps the lung against the chest wall disappears and the lung collapses

If air or fluid enters the pleural space between the parietal and visceral pleura, the -4cmH20 pressure gradient that normally keeps the lung against the chest wall disappears and the lung collapses

Intrapulmonary pressure: -4cmH20

Intrapleural pressure: -8cmH20

Conditions requiring chest drainageConditions requiring chest drainage

Air between the pleurae is a pneumothorax

Air between the pleurae is a pneumothorax

Parietal pleura

Visceral pleura Pleural space


Blood in the pleural space is a hemothorax

Blood in the pleural space is a hemothorax

Transudate or exudate in the pleural space is a pleural effusion

Transudate or exudate in the pleural space is a pleural effusion


Conditions requiring chest drainage: pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: pneumothorax

• Pneumothorax– Occurs when there is an opening on the

surface of the lung or in the airways, in the chest wall — or both

– The opening allows air to enter the pleural space between the pleurae, creating an actual space

• Pneumothorax– Occurs when there is an opening on the

surface of the lung or in the airways, in the chest wall — or both

– The opening allows air to enter the pleural space between the pleurae, creating an actual space

Conditions requiring chest drainage: open pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: open pneumothorax

• Open pneumothorax– Opening in the chest

wall (with or without lung puncture)

– Allows atmospheric air to enter the pleural space

– Penetrating trauma: stab, gunshot, impalement

– Surgery

• Open pneumothorax– Opening in the chest

wall (with or without lung puncture)

– Allows atmospheric air to enter the pleural space

– Penetrating trauma: stab, gunshot, impalement

– Surgery

Photo courtesy trauma.org

Conditions requiring chest drainage: closed pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: closed pneumothorax

• Closed pneumothorax– Chest wall is intact– Rupture of the lung

and visceral pleura (or airway) allows air into the pleural space

• Closed pneumothorax– Chest wall is intact– Rupture of the lung

and visceral pleura (or airway) allows air into the pleural space

Conditions requiring chest drainage: open pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: open pneumothorax

• An open pneumothorax is also called a “sucking chest wound”

• With the pressure changes in the chest that normally occur with breathing, air moves in and out of the chest through the opening in the chest wall

• Looks bad and sounds worse, but the opening acts as a vent so pressure from trapped air cannot build up in the chest

• An open pneumothorax is also called a “sucking chest wound”

• With the pressure changes in the chest that normally occur with breathing, air moves in and out of the chest through the opening in the chest wall

• Looks bad and sounds worse, but the opening acts as a vent so pressure from trapped air cannot build up in the chest

Conditions requiring chest drainage: closed pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: closed pneumothorax

• In a closed pneumothorax, a patient who is breathing spontaneously can have an equilibration of pressures across the collapsed lung

• The patient will have symptoms, but this is not life-threatening

• In a closed pneumothorax, a patient who is breathing spontaneously can have an equilibration of pressures across the collapsed lung

• The patient will have symptoms, but this is not life-threatening

Conditions requiring chest drainage: tension pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: tension pneumothorax

• A tension pneumothorax can kill

• Chest wall is intact

• Air enters the pleural space from the lung or airway, and it has no way to leave

• There is no vent to the atmosphere as there is in an open pneumothorax

• Most dangerous when patient is receiving positive pressure ventilation in which air is forced into the chest under pressure

• A tension pneumothorax can kill

• Chest wall is intact

• Air enters the pleural space from the lung or airway, and it has no way to leave

• There is no vent to the atmosphere as there is in an open pneumothorax

• Most dangerous when patient is receiving positive pressure ventilation in which air is forced into the chest under pressure

Conditions requiring chest drainage: tension pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: tension pneumothorax

• Tension pneumothorax occurs when a closed pneumothorax creates positive pressure in the pleural space that continues to build

• That pressure is then transmitted to the mediastinum (heart and great vessels)

• Tension pneumothorax occurs when a closed pneumothorax creates positive pressure in the pleural space that continues to build

• That pressure is then transmitted to the mediastinum (heart and great vessels)

Conditions requiring chest drainage: mediastinal shiftConditions requiring chest drainage: mediastinal shift

• Mediastinal shift occurs when the pressure gets so high that it pushes the heart and great vessels into the unaffected side of the chest

• These structures are compressed from external pressure and cannot expand to accept blood flow

• Mediastinal shift occurs when the pressure gets so high that it pushes the heart and great vessels into the unaffected side of the chest

• These structures are compressed from external pressure and cannot expand to accept blood flow

Mediastinal shift

Conditions requiring chest drainage: mediastinal shiftConditions requiring chest drainage: mediastinal shift

• Mediastinal shift can quickly lead to cardiovascular collapse

• The vena cava and the right side of the heart cannot accept venous return

• With no venous return, there is no cardiac output

• No cardiac output = not able to sustain life

• Mediastinal shift can quickly lead to cardiovascular collapse

• The vena cava and the right side of the heart cannot accept venous return

• With no venous return, there is no cardiac output

• No cardiac output = not able to sustain life

Conditions requiring chest drainage:tension pneumothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage:tension pneumothorax

• When the pressure is external, CPR will not help – the heart will still not accept venous return

• Immediate, live-saving treatment is placing a needle to relieve pressure followed by chest tube

• When the pressure is external, CPR will not help – the heart will still not accept venous return

• Immediate, live-saving treatment is placing a needle to relieve pressure followed by chest tube Photos courtesy trauma.org

Conditions requiring chest drainage: hemothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: hemothorax

• Hemothorax occurs after thoracic surgery and many traumatic injuries

• As with pneumothorax, the negative pressure between the pleurae is disrupted, and the lung will collapse to some degree, depending on the amount of blood

• The risk of mediastinal shift is insignificant, as the amount of blood needed to cause the shift would result in a life-threatening intravascular loss

• Hemothorax occurs after thoracic surgery and many traumatic injuries

• As with pneumothorax, the negative pressure between the pleurae is disrupted, and the lung will collapse to some degree, depending on the amount of blood

• The risk of mediastinal shift is insignificant, as the amount of blood needed to cause the shift would result in a life-threatening intravascular loss

Conditions requiring chest drainage: hemothoraxConditions requiring chest drainage: hemothorax

• Hemothorax is best seen in an upright chest radiograph

• Any accumulation of fluid that hides the costophrenic angle on an upright CXR is enough to require drainage

• Hemothorax is best seen in an upright chest radiograph

• Any accumulation of fluid that hides the costophrenic angle on an upright CXR is enough to require drainagePhotos courtesy trauma.org

Note air/fluid meniscus

Conditions requiring chest drainage:pleural effusionConditions requiring chest drainage:pleural effusion

• Fluid in the pleural space is pleural effusion– Transudate is a clear fluid that collects in the

pleural space when there are fluid shifts in the body from conditions such as CHF, malnutrition, renal and liver failure

– Exudate is a cloudy fluid with cells and proteins that collects when the pleurae are affected by malignancy or diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia

• Fluid in the pleural space is pleural effusion– Transudate is a clear fluid that collects in the

pleural space when there are fluid shifts in the body from conditions such as CHF, malnutrition, renal and liver failure

– Exudate is a cloudy fluid with cells and proteins that collects when the pleurae are affected by malignancy or diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia

Treatment for pleural conditionsTreatment for pleural conditions

1. Remove fluid & air as promptly as possible

2. Prevent drained air & fluid from returning to the pleural space

3. Restore negative pressure in the pleural space to re-expand the lung

1. Remove fluid & air as promptly as possible

2. Prevent drained air & fluid from returning to the pleural space

3. Restore negative pressure in the pleural space to re-expand the lung

Remove fluid & airRemove fluid & air

Thoracostomy creates an opening in the chest wall through which a chest tube (also called thoracic catheter) is placed, which allows air and fluid to flow out of the chest

Thoracostomy creates an opening in the chest wall through which a chest tube (also called thoracic catheter) is placed, which allows air and fluid to flow out of the chest

Remove fluid and airRemove fluid and air

A clamp dissects over the rib to avoid the nerves and vessels below the rib

The clamp opens to spread the muscles

Small incision

Finger is usedto explore the space to avoid sharp instrument

Clamp holds chest tube and guides into place

Remove fluid & airRemove fluid & air

Choose site

Explore with finger

Place tube with clamp

Suture tube to chest

Photos courtesy trauma.org

Remove fluid & air through chest tubeRemove fluid & air through chest tube

Also called “thoracic catheters”• Different sizes

– From infants to adults– Small for air, larger for fluid

• Different configurations– Curved or straight

• Types of plastic– PVC– Silicone

• Coated/Non-Coated– Heparin– Decrease friction

Also called “thoracic catheters”• Different sizes

– From infants to adults– Small for air, larger for fluid

• Different configurations– Curved or straight

• Types of plastic– PVC– Silicone

• Coated/Non-Coated– Heparin– Decrease friction

Remove fluid and air after thoracic surgeryRemove fluid and air after thoracic surgery

At the end of the procedure, the surgeon makes a stab wound in the chest wall through which the chest tube is placed into the pleural space

At the end of the procedure, the surgeon makes a stab wound in the chest wall through which the chest tube is placed into the pleural space

Prevent air & fluid from returning to the pleural spacePrevent air & fluid from returning to the pleural space

Chest tube is attached to a drainage device – Allows air and fluid to leave the chest– Contains a one-way valve to prevent air &

fluid returning to the chest– Designed so that the device is below the level

of the chest tube for gravity drainage

Chest tube is attached to a drainage device – Allows air and fluid to leave the chest– Contains a one-way valve to prevent air &

fluid returning to the chest– Designed so that the device is below the level

of the chest tube for gravity drainage


How does a chest drainage system work?

It’s all about bottles and

straws

How does a chest drainage system work?

It’s all about bottles and

straws


• Most basic concept

• Straw attached to chest tube from patient is placed under 2cm of fluid (water seal)

• Just like a straw in a drink, air can push through the straw, but air can’t be drawn back up the straw

• Most basic concept

• Straw attached to chest tube from patient is placed under 2cm of fluid (water seal)

• Just like a straw in a drink, air can push through the straw, but air can’t be drawn back up the straw

Tube open to atmosphere vents air

Tube from patient


• This system works if only air is leaving the chest

• If fluid is draining, it will add to the fluid in the water seal, and increase the depth

• As the depth increases, it becomes harder for the air to push through a higher level of water, and could result in air staying in the chest

• This system works if only air is leaving the chest

• If fluid is draining, it will add to the fluid in the water seal, and increase the depth

• As the depth increases, it becomes harder for the air to push through a higher level of water, and could result in air staying in the chest


• For drainage, a second bottle was added

• The first bottle collects the drainage

• The second bottle is the water seal

• With an extra bottle for drainage, the water seal will then remain at 2cm

• For drainage, a second bottle was added

• The first bottle collects the drainage

• The second bottle is the water seal

• With an extra bottle for drainage, the water seal will then remain at 2cm

Tube from patient


Fluid drainage

2cm fluid


• The two-bottle system is the key for chest drainage– A place for drainage to collect– A one-way valve that prevents air or fluid from

returning to the chest

• The two-bottle system is the key for chest drainage– A place for drainage to collect– A one-way valve that prevents air or fluid from

returning to the chest

Restore negative pressure in the pleural spaceRestore negative pressure in the pleural space

• Many years ago, it was believed that suction was always required to pull air and fluid out of the pleural space and pull the lung up against the parietal pleura

• However, recent research has shown that suction may actually prolong air leaks from the lung by pulling air through the opening that would otherwise close on its own

• If suction is required, a third bottle is added

• Many years ago, it was believed that suction was always required to pull air and fluid out of the pleural space and pull the lung up against the parietal pleura

• However, recent research has shown that suction may actually prolong air leaks from the lung by pulling air through the opening that would otherwise close on its own

• If suction is required, a third bottle is added


2cm fluid water seal Collection bottleSuction control

Tube from patient

Fluid drainage


Straw under 20 cmH2O

Tube to vacuum source


• The straw submerged in the suction control bottle (typically to 20cmH2O) limits the amount of negative pressure that can be applied to the pleural space – in this case -20cmH2O

• The submerged straw is open at the top• As the vacuum source is increased, once

bubbling begins in this bottle, it means atmospheric pressure is being drawn in to limit the suction level

• The straw submerged in the suction control bottle (typically to 20cmH2O) limits the amount of negative pressure that can be applied to the pleural space – in this case -20cmH2O

• The submerged straw is open at the top• As the vacuum source is increased, once

bubbling begins in this bottle, it means atmospheric pressure is being drawn in to limit the suction level


The depth of the water in the suction bottle determines the amount of negative pressure that can be transmitted to the chest, NOT the reading on the vacuum regulator

The depth of the water in the suction bottle determines the amount of negative pressure that can be transmitted to the chest, NOT the reading on the vacuum regulator


• There is no research to support this number of -20cmH2O, just convention

• Higher negative pressure can increase the flow rate out of the chest, but it can also damage tissue

• There is no research to support this number of -20cmH2O, just convention

• Higher negative pressure can increase the flow rate out of the chest, but it can also damage tissue

How a chest drainage system worksHow a chest drainage system works

• Expiratory positive pressure from the patient helps push air and fluid out of the chest (cough, Valsalva)

• Gravity helps fluid drainage as long as the chest drainage system is below the level of the chest

• Suction can improve the speed at which air and fluid are pulled from the chest

• Expiratory positive pressure from the patient helps push air and fluid out of the chest (cough, Valsalva)

• Gravity helps fluid drainage as long as the chest drainage system is below the level of the chest

• Suction can improve the speed at which air and fluid are pulled from the chest

From bottles to a boxFrom bottles to a box

• The bottle system worked, but it was bulky at the bedside and with 16 pieces and 17 connections, it was difficult to set up correctly while maintaining sterility of all of the parts

• In 1967, a one-piece, disposable plastic box was introduced

• The box did everything the bottles did – and more

• The bottle system worked, but it was bulky at the bedside and with 16 pieces and 17 connections, it was difficult to set up correctly while maintaining sterility of all of the parts

• In 1967, a one-piece, disposable plastic box was introduced

• The box did everything the bottles did – and more

From bottles to a boxFrom bottles to a box

Collection chamber

Water seal chamber

Suction control chamber

from patient

Suction control bottle

Water seal bottle

Collection bottle

From patientTo suction

From box to bedsideFrom box to bedside

At the bedsideAt the bedside

• Keep drain below the chest for gravity drainage

• This will cause a pressure gradient with relatively higher pressure in the chest

• Fluid, like air, moves from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure

• Same principle as raising an IV bottle to increase flow rate

• Keep drain below the chest for gravity drainage

• This will cause a pressure gradient with relatively higher pressure in the chest

• Fluid, like air, moves from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure

• Same principle as raising an IV bottle to increase flow rate

Monitoring intrathoracic pressureMonitoring intrathoracic pressure

• The water seal chamber and suction control chamber provide intrathoracic pressure monitoring

• Gravity drainage without suction: Level of water in the water seal chamber = intrathoracic pressure (chamber is calibrated manometer)

– Slow, gradual rise in water level over time means more negative pressure in pleural space and signals healing

– Goal is to return to -8cmH20

• With suction: Level of water in suction control + level of water in water seal chamber = intrathoracic pressure

• The water seal chamber and suction control chamber provide intrathoracic pressure monitoring

• Gravity drainage without suction: Level of water in the water seal chamber = intrathoracic pressure (chamber is calibrated manometer)

– Slow, gradual rise in water level over time means more negative pressure in pleural space and signals healing

– Goal is to return to -8cmH20

• With suction: Level of water in suction control + level of water in water seal chamber = intrathoracic pressure

Monitoring air leakMonitoring air leak

• Water seal is a window into the pleural space

• Not only for pressure• If air is leaving the chest,

bubbling will be seen here• Air leak meter (1-5) provides a

way to “measure” the leak and monitor over time – getting better or worse?

• Water seal is a window into the pleural space

• Not only for pressure• If air is leaving the chest,

bubbling will be seen here• Air leak meter (1-5) provides a

way to “measure” the leak and monitor over time – getting better or worse?

Setting up the drainSetting up the drain

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water to the 2cm level in the water seal chamber, and to the 20cm level in the suction control chamber (unless a different level is ordered)

• Connect 6' patient tube to thoracic catheter

• Connect the drain to vacuum, and slowly increase vacuum until gentle bubbling appears in the suction control chamber

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water to the 2cm level in the water seal chamber, and to the 20cm level in the suction control chamber (unless a different level is ordered)

• Connect 6' patient tube to thoracic catheter

• Connect the drain to vacuum, and slowly increase vacuum until gentle bubbling appears in the suction control chamber

Setting up suctionSetting up suction

• You don’t need to boil spaghetti!• Vigorous bubbling is loud

and disturbing to most patients• Will also cause rapid evaporation in the

chamber, which will lower suction level• Too much bubbling is not needed clinically

in 98% of patients – more is not better• If too much, turn down vacuum source

until bubbles go away, then slowly increase until they reappear, then stop

• You don’t need to boil spaghetti!• Vigorous bubbling is loud

and disturbing to most patients• Will also cause rapid evaporation in the

chamber, which will lower suction level• Too much bubbling is not needed clinically

in 98% of patients – more is not better• If too much, turn down vacuum source

until bubbles go away, then slowly increase until they reappear, then stop

Disposable chest drainsDisposable chest drains

• Collection chamber – Fluids drain directly into chamber, calibrated in

mL fluid, write-on surface to note level and time

• Water seal– One way valve, U-tube design, can monitor air

leaks & changes in intrathoracic pressure

• Suction control chamber– U-tube, narrow arm is the atmospheric vent,

large arm is the fluid reservoir, system is regulated, easy to control negative pressure

• Collection chamber – Fluids drain directly into chamber, calibrated in

mL fluid, write-on surface to note level and time

• Water seal– One way valve, U-tube design, can monitor air

leaks & changes in intrathoracic pressure

• Suction control chamber– U-tube, narrow arm is the atmospheric vent,

large arm is the fluid reservoir, system is regulated, easy to control negative pressure

Brought to you by Atrium University

For more information,please visit AtriumU.com

Brought to you by Atrium University

For more information,please visit AtriumU.com

Managing Chest Drainage

Documents

Transcript of Managing Chest Drainage