A new portable chest drainage device.
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.
Lodi
R
R
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Modena, Reggio Emilia, Italy. rlodi@unimo.it
Stefani
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*