An automated line-clearing chest tube system after cardiac surgeryCentral MessagePerspective
Oluwatomisin Olurotimi Obafemi, MD,
Hanjay Wang, MD,
Simar S. Bajaj, BS,
Christian T. O'Donnell, BS,
Stefan Elde, MD,
Jack H. Boyd, MD
Affiliations
Oluwatomisin Olurotimi Obafemi, MD
Address for reprints: Oluwatomisin Olurotimi Obafemi, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine, Falk Cardiovascular Building, 870 Quarry Rd Ext, Palo Alto, CA 94304.; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
Hanjay Wang, MD
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
Simar S. Bajaj, BS
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
Christian T. O'Donnell, BS
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
Stefan Elde, MD
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
Jack H. Boyd, MD
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
Objective: To complete the first in-human study of the automated line clearance Thoraguard chest tube system. The study focuses on the viability and efficacy of the device in comparison with conventional models as well as secondary matters such as patient experience and ease of use. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, open-label study involving adult patients (n = 27) who underwent nonemergent, first-time, cardiac surgery. Patients received automated clearance chest tubes for surgical drainage in both the mediastinal and pleural spaces. The control group was retrospective (n = 80); individuals received conventional chest tubes placed and secured in locations determined at the surgeon's discretion. Results: The automated-clearance tubes exhibited a similar drainage profile at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours compared with the conventional chest tubes. The final output at the time of tube removal was also similar (1150 [750-1590] vs 1289 [766.3-1890] mL, respectively, P = .76). The number of patients readmitted for drainage of an effusion was similar in both groups (1/27 [3.7%] vs 3/80 [3.75%], P > .99). Conclusions: This study has shown that the Centese Thoraguard chest tube system is a viable option for surgical chest drainage and effective when used in routine cardiac surgery operations.
