Chest Tubes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to chest tubes, their use, and related procedures.

Chest Tube

A drain placed in the pleural space to restore intrapleural pressure and allow re-expansion of the lung.

Pneumothorax

A collection of air in the pleural space, treated by inserting a chest tube to remove the air.

Pleural Effusion

The accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, requiring a chest tube for drainage.

Empyema

The collection of pus in the pleural cavity, necessitating drainage via a chest tube.

Chylothorax

Lymphatic fluid accumulation in the pleural space, treated with chest tube drainage.

Lobectomy

Surgical removal of an entire lung lobe, often performed with chest tube insertion for drainage.

Mediastinal Chest Tube

A tube placed to drain blood from around the heart.

Water Seal Chamber

The chamber in a chest drainage system that prevents air from entering the pleural space.

TIDALING

The normal rise and fall of water in the water seal chamber of a drainage system.

Dependent Loops

Loops in a chest tube that can cause pressure build-up and prevent fluid drainage.

Stripping

The inappropriate action of pulling on chest tubes that can increase intrapleural pressure, potentially causing lung damage.

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery)

A minimally invasive surgical technique that may involve chest tube placement.

Chest Tube Removal

The process of discontinuing chest tube use when the underlying issue is resolved, monitored by follow-up X-Ray.

Suction Chamber

In a drainage system, the chamber that is connected to a suction source to maintain negative pressure.

Empyema

A medical condition where pus accumulates in the pleural space.