What is a closed chest drainage system?

A closed chest drainage system with or without suction is attached to the chest tube to promote drainage of air and fluid. Lung reexpansion occurs as the fluid or air is removed from the pleural space (Briggs, 2010; Twedell, 2009). The location of the chest tube indicates the type of drainage expected.

When do you use closed thoracic drainage?

The chest tube is connected to a closed chest drainage system, which allows for air or fluid to be drained, and prevents air or fluid from entering the pleural space. The system is airtight to prevent the inflow of atmospheric pressure.

How do you drain a pneumothorax?

A chest drain is a tube inserted through the chest wall between the ribs and into the pleural cavity to allow drainage of air (pneumothorax), blood (haemothorax), fluid (pleural effusion) or pus (empyema) out of the chest.

What are the different types of chest tube drainage systems?

Chest Drainage Systems

• Heimlich valve.
• Three-compartment chest drainage systems.
• Digital drainage systems.
• Vacuum bottles.

How much drainage is normal for chest tube?

This randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the appropriate volume threshold for removing CT. We hypothesized that the safety of chest tube removal with a daily drainage of 200 ml/day is comparable with more generally accepted level of 150 ml/day.

Are chest tubes always to suction?

The chest tube should initially be set to continuous suction at -20 mmHg to evacuate the air. Once the air leak has stopped, the chest tube should be placed on water seal to confirm resolution of the pneumothorax (water seal mimics normal physiology).

What do you do if a chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system or from the patient?

A chest tube drainage system disconnecting from the chest tube inside the patient is an emergency. Immediately clamp the tube and place the end of chest tube in sterile water or NS. The two ends will need to be swabbed with alcohol and reconnected.

How long can you last with a collapsed lung?

Recovery from a collapsed lung generally takes about one to two weeks. Most people can return to full activity upon clearance by the doctor.

What is the normal drainage for chest tube?

What happens when a chest tube is disconnected?

A chest tube drainage system disconnecting from the chest tube inside the patient is an emergency. Immediately clamp the tube and place the end of chest tube in sterile water or NS. The two ends will need to be swabbed with alcohol and reconnected. Bleeding may occur after insertion of the chest tube.