Thoracic surgery clinics
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Thoracic surgery clinics · Aug 2010
ReviewDigital and smart chest drainage systems to monitor air leaks: the birth of a new era?
Recently, several companies have manufactured and commercialized new pleural drainage units that incorporate electronic components for the digital quantification of air through chest tubes and, in some instances, pleural pressure assessment. The goal of these systems is to objectify this previously subjective bedside clinical parameter and allow for more objective, consistent measurement of air leaks. ⋯ These may afford earlier mobilization of patients because the pleural drainage chamber is attached to a battery-powered smart suction device. In this article we review the clinical experiences using these new devices.