Chest Tubes and Drainage Systems

Deb Updegraff RN, CNSPICULPCH

Chest Tubes

Correct life threatening conditionscaused by excess of fluid and/or air

in the intrapleural space

Pneumothorax

A collection of air in the pleural space.

Can occur with• Central line placement• Chest surgery, • Trauma to the chest wall• Traumatic intubation• Mechanical ventilation

If air continues to collect in the chest, the pressure can rise and push the whole mediastinum over to the other side

Tension-Pneumothorax

“Intra” pleural Space

There are 2 pleural membranes involved in respiration

• visceral pleura

• parietal pleura

The Parietal pleura lines the inside of the thoracic cavity. The visceral Pleura adheres to the outside of the lung.

Pneumothorax

Hemothorax

A collection of blood in the pleural space

Can occur with:

•Chest surgery•Central line placement•Chest trauma

Hemothorax

Pleural Effusion

The accumulation of pathologic quantities of fluid in the intrapleural space.

Maybe caused by:

• Liver and kidney failure• Congestive heart failure• Infection• Malignancy blocking the lymphatic system

Empyema

Inflammatory fluid and debris within the intrapleural space. Usually results from an untreated bacterial pneumonia.

Other causes:• Thoracic trauma• Rupture of lung abscess into the pleural space• Extension of mediastinal or abdominal infection• Iatrogenic at time of thoracic surgery

Patient Positioning Insertion Sites for Chest tubes

Pneumothorax: (AIR)• The best position is supine or with head elevated anywhere from low to high fowler’s.• The chest tube will be inserted into the 2nd or 3rd intercostal space anterior chest at the mid-clavicular line

Effusions: (FLUID)• If patient able, best position is sitting on the side of the bed leaning over a pillow placed on a bedside table.• The chest tube is inserted between the 4th to 6th intercostal space mid-axillary line

Insertion sites

How 3 chamber drainage system works

First Chamber

The Water Seal chamber

Fresh chest tube inserted, patient could suck air directly into chest.The distal end must be controlled. The water seal chamber acts asA one way valve. Air can get out and as long as the tube is longEnough, water can not be sucked in. Bubbles moving throughThis chamber means the patient has an air leak.

Second Chamber

2 1

Single chambers are fine if all you want to drain in air.When there is fluid it’s time for a second chamber.

Third Chamber

Here’s an idea! What if the fluid is thick or just needs extra help to drain?What if we could add suction? Time for a 3rd chamber.

12 3

1 water seal chamber2 drainage chamber3 suction chamber

1 23

1 Water seal chamber2 Drainage chamber3 Suction Chamber

Third Chamber –Suction Chamber

The strength of suction is directly affected by thelevel of water. The MD will order this. In Pediatricsthe amount is usually 15cm.

You need regulated wall suction. The weight of the water acts as the suction limiter. No matter howHard the wall suctions pulls, the actual suction delivered tothe patient is 15cm.

Now back to Air Leaks

First Chamber-Water seal chamber

This chamber shows an air leak. This is a Good thing if you have just placed the tubeFor a pneumothorax. It means the air is Getting out of the patient.

This does not automatically mean that air is Coming out of the chest.

The leak can be coming from anywhere in theSystem and this can be bad.

1

1

If the chest tube is pulled and dislodged, the drainage holes can actually be “outside of the patient” sucking air. Air can dangerously accumulate.

In addition to the bubbles in the air leak chamber you should be able to hear this with a stethoscope.

What to do:• Take dressing down wrap hole with Vaseline gauze• Call for a stat CXR.

Clamping a Chest tube

• Clamping a chest tube is a very big deal

Only clamp if you are:

Changing a full pleurovac

Or if you are

Trying to determine if the system is leaking.

Water Seal

• Usually this is ordered when the air/fluid draining from the patient is assumed to be pretty much over and done with.

• What carefully for signs of re-accumulation

It means to disconnect from wall suction