title: PleurAlert: an augmented chest drainage system with electronic sensing, automated alerts and internet connectivity.
abstract: We have enhanced a common medical device, the chest tube drainage container, with electronic sensing of fluid volume, automated detection of critical alarm conditions and the ability to automatically send alert text messages to a nurse's cell phone. The PleurAlert system provides a simple touch-screen interface and can graphically display chest tube output over time. Our design augments a device whose basic function dates back 50 years by adding technology to automate and optimize a monitoring process that can be time consuming and inconvenient for nurses. The system may also enhance detection of emergency conditions and speed response time.
authors.affiliation: Simulation and Medical Technology R&D Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. jts35@pitt.edu
authors.forename: Cory E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Leeson
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: Taylor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bissell
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hoyer
authors.forename: Corinne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McClain
authors.forename: Douglas A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Joseph T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Samosky
mesh_terms: D056902:Clinical Alarms; D004322:Drainage; D020407:Internet; D017751:Safety Management; D013685:Telecommunications; D013909:Thorax; D014159:Transducers