Thoracic Drainage Catheters Key Medical Applications and Uses
Thoracic drainage catheters are medical devices designed to remove air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. These catheters are crucial for managing conditions such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung), hemothorax (blood in the pleural cavity), pleural effusion (excess fluid), and empyema (infection). The catheter consists of a flexible tube made from materials like silicone or polyurethane, which is inserted through a small incision in the chest wall. It is connected to a closed drainage system that collects and measures the removed material, often including a water seal or suction control to manage drainage effectively. Insertion is typically performed under local anesthesia, with careful monitoring and management required to ensure proper function and prevent complications. Once the condition is resolved, the catheter is removed, making it an essential tool in emergency care, surgery, and critical care settings.
www.gstc.com/product/thoracic-drainage-catheter/