How does a closed chest drainage system work?
Closed chest drainage systems use gravity and/or suction to restore negative pressure and remove air, fluid, and/or blood from the pleural space so that the collapsed lung can re-expand.
What is a closed chest tube drainage system?
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 does a chest tube work for a pneumothorax?
A chest tube is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space or mediastinum. It is used to remove air in the case of pneumothorax or fluid such as in the case of pleural effusion, blood, chyle, or pus when empyema occurs from the intrathoracic space.
When can I remove chest tube after pneumothorax?
Chest tubes may be removed as soon as the lung expands and air leak ceases. In the presence of underlying lung disease or when pneumothorax has been associated with bronchopleural fistula, it is always imperative to clamp the tube for a variable duration before it is removed.
What should you do if your patient’s chest tube becomes disconnected from the chest tube drainage system?
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 does it take for chest tube wound to heal?
It will take about 3 to 4 weeks for your incision to heal completely. It may leave a small scar that will fade with time.
What happens if a chest tube is dislodged?
Whatever its source, an air leak must be addressed and resolved before the chest tube is removed. A large, persistent leak with no evacuation outlet can lead to tension pneumothorax, in turn causing cardiac tamponade—a life-threatening emergency.
What to do if there is an air leak in a chest tube?
If bubbling disappears when you clamp the tubing, suspect an air leak at the insertion site or from within the chest wall. Assess the insertion site; if you detect a leak, apply petroleum gauze and a sterile occlusive dressing to seal it off.
What happens if a collapsed lung does not inflate?
When air sacs become deflated because of atelectasis, they cannot inflate properly or take in enough air and oxygen. If enough of the lung is affected, your blood may not receive enough oxygen, which can cause health problems. Atelectasis often develops after surgery.
When does a patient have a closed chest tube drainage system?
When a patient has a closed chest tube drainage system, it is the health care provider’s responsibility to assess the patient and the equipment frequently to ensure the equipment is patent and working effectively. The health care provider should: Assess the chest tube drainage system for patency and troubleshoot any concerns
How is a chest tube used to treat pneumothorax?
The placement of a chest tube connected to a water-sealed drainage system is the next step in treating the pneumothorax. The air leak may be repaired by the normal processes of the lung as the free air is being removed through a chest tube; if not, then surgical repair is needed to stop the problem.
Can a pneumothorax move back into the chest?
Second, with a very low level of suction applied to the system, there is the potential for air to move back into the chest if the intrathoracic negative pressure exceeds the suction pressure. Third, most hospital suction systems are capable of generating high levels of negative pressure and high aspiration flows.
Where does air leak from in a pneumothorax?
Any time that air leaks into the pleural space, which lies between the parietal and visceral pleurae, a pneumothorax forms. The air can leak from the lung or can come from the atmosphere outside the body.
