Recent advances and patents on chest drainage systems

Chest drainage systems have been used routinely in patients following cardiac and thoracic surgeries, as well as patients suffering from chest trauma and lung disease. Maintaining the patency of chest tubes is vital so that one can evacuate abnormal collections of air and fluid from the pleural/mediastinal spaces and prevent hemothorax or pneumothorax; however, many surgeons report clogging or kinking of chest tubes despite efforts to maintain patency. Postoperatively, patients experience discomfort and even pain from chest tubes. There have been improvements in drainage systems. These have become more compact, safer and more "user friendly," and the use of recently commercialized devices now helps promote the patient's earlier ambulation. This review provides a brief description of recent patents and advances regarding chest drainage systems, which include a variety of chest tubes, debris cleaning systems, methods for safer chest tube placements, and drainage units.