Penrose Drain
Penrose · Cigarette Drain
A soft, thin-walled flat tube, like a strip of glove material rolled into a tube. Comes in different widths and lengths, in latexLAY-teksNatural rubber made from the sap of the rubber tree, used in some gloves, catheters and other medical supplies.Full entry or latex-free silicone.
On the table
What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.
What it’s for
A passive drain. The surgeon places it loosely in the wound before closure so fluid runs out along it into the dressing, with no reservoirREZ-er-vwarA place where germs live and multiply, such as a person, animal, water or soil.Full entry . It is also used as a soft sling to lift and retract structures such as the spermatic cord.
Lengths and variants
Different widths and lengths; 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch are common. latexLAY-teksNatural rubber made from the sap of the rubber tree, used in some gloves, catheters and other medical supplies.Full entry and latex-free versions.
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
Passing it
How to pass it so it lands in the surgeon’s hand the right way round.Pro
- During the case
Caution
What not to do with it, and why.Pro
Know it on sight.
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On 29 setups
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4 sources
- Fuller JK. Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Chapter 19 (Surgical Skills II: Intraoperative and Immediate Postoperative Period), p. 422
- Goldman MA. Pocket Guide to the Operating Room. 3rd ed. Chapter 14 (Integumentary and Minimally Invasive Surgery), p. 119
- Nemitz R. Surgical Instrumentation: An Interactive Approach, p. 594
- medline.eu
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