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Instrument · Supplies

Chest Tube

Thoracic Catheter · Thoracostomy Tube · Mediastinal Tube · Argyle Chest Tube

A firm, clear plastic tube with several drainage holes (eyes) near its open tip. Comes in a range of sizes.

1 photo

On 44 setups
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Class
Supplies
On setups
44

On the table

What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.

  • What it’s for

    Drains air, blood and fluid from the pleural spacePLOOR-ul SPAYSThe thin space between the two layers of the pleura, the membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest wall.Full entry or mediastinum after chest and heart surgery so the lung can stay expanded. It is connected to a closed water-seal chest drainage unit, which keeps air from going back into the chest.

  • Lengths and variants

    Several sizes. Two chest tubechest toobA tube placed through the chest wall into the space around the lung to drain air, blood or fluid.Full entry can be joined to one drainage unit with a Y connector.

  • What experienced techs know

    What techs who reach for it every day know about it.Pro

Through the case

In the order you meet it: before, during and after the case.

  • During the case

    Caution

    What not to do with it, and why.Pro

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The 44 setups it is onA practice test and a timed exam for eachPro

On 44 setups

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The list of setups

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3 sources
  1. Frey KB, Ross T (AST). Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist. Chapter 10 (Instrumentation, Equipment, and Supplies), p. 287
  2. Goldman MA. Pocket Guide to the Operating Room. 3rd ed. Chapter 17, p. 199
  3. Fuller JK. Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Chapter 31, p. 875

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