Effective chest drainage is crucial for patients suffering from pneumothorax, hemothorax, and other conditions that result in air or fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. In such cases, the ability to drain these fluids efficiently can significantly improve a patient’s respiratory function and overall recovery. The Vide® Chest Drainage System has been designed to meet these clinical needs, offering a reliable, simple, and efficient solution for healthcare professionals managing chest cavity drainage.
Why Chest Drains are Essential in Critical Care
Chest drains are life-saving devices used to remove air, blood, or other fluids from the pleural space, allowing the lungs to re-expand and function properly. Without effective drainage, patients can experience severe breathing difficulties, which, if untreated, can be life-threatening.
While traditional chest drains have been effective, there have been many challenges associated with their use, such as maintaining proper suction levels, ensuring fluid drainage without air leaks, and reducing infection risks. The Vide® Chest Drainage System addresses these concerns by offering a more advanced, patient-friendly design that enhances both safety and ease of use.
Key Features of the Vide® Chest Drainage System
The Vide® Chest Drainage System offers a comprehensive range of features that make it one of the most reliable chest drainage solutions available today:
- Three-Chamber System for Optimal Drainage
The Vide® Chest Drain comes in a three-chamber design that maximises efficiency in drainage. This system includes a suction control chamber, a water seal chamber, and a collection chamber, all working together to ensure the proper removal of air and fluids while preventing backflow into the chest. - Precise Suction Control
For effective chest drainage, controlling suction levels is crucial. The Vide “Wave” Three-Chamber Water Seal Chest Drain allows clinicians to fine-tune suction power up to 20cm H₂O, offering optimal drainage based on individual patient needs. The system automatically vents excess negative pressure to prevent discomfort while also allowing manual venting if necessary. - Reliable Air Leak Monitoring
Monitoring air leaks is vital in chest drainage, as they indicate the condition of the pleural space and the effectiveness of the drainage. The Vide® Chest Drain continuously tracks air leaks, giving healthcare professionals accurate feedback on whether the drainage is functioning properly. This feature helps prevent complications such as prolonged air leaks, which can delay recovery. - Graduated Drainage Collection for Accurate Measurement
The collection chamber in the Vide® Chest Drain is graduated, with volume increments ranging from 2ml to 2 litres. This allows healthcare providers to closely monitor the amount of fluid drained from the patient, ensuring accurate measurements that help guide treatment decisions. - Convenient Fluid Sampling Port
The Vide® system is designed with convenience in mind. Healthcare professionals can easily collect fluid samples for testing through a self-sealing sampling port, eliminating the need to disrupt the drainage system or create unnecessary infection risks. - Kink-Free Tubing for Smooth Drainage
Kinked tubing can obstruct fluid flow, reducing the effectiveness of drainage and potentially causing harm to the patient. The Vide® Chest Drain features kink-free tubing to ensure continuous and smooth drainage, further enhancing the system’s reliability.
Versatility for Different Patient Needs
The Vide® Chest Drainage System is available in different configurations to suit a wide range of patient needs, from neonates to adults. Its flexibility makes it a valuable tool in critical care, surgery, and emergency settings. The system is offered in the following versions:
- Vide “Wave” Water Seal Chest Drain (Adult & Paediatric)
This water seal system creates a mini-vacuum that gently removes air or fluid from the chest cavity. Available in:- Adult size (2 litres) – Product Code: D50.100, NPC Code: FDR85009
- Paediatric size (200ml) – Product Code: D50.115, NPC Code: FDR85008
- Vide “Shore” Dry Suction / Water Seal Chest Drain
This system adds dry suction control to the trusted water seal design. The Vide “Shore” offers the convenience of eliminating the need for water while maintaining precise suction control, making it a more user-friendly option.- Product Code: D50.110 (Available Soon)
- Vide “Sand” Dry Seal Chest Drain
The Vide “Sand” replaces the water seal with a dry seal technology, eliminating the need for water while still maintaining consistent suction. This system simplifies the drainage process for clinicians and ensures stable operation, even in varying pressure conditions.- Product Code: D50.105, NPC Code: FDR85010
Advanced Safety Features for Patient Comfort
Patient safety is at the core of the Vide® Chest Drainage System’s design. Several features have been incorporated to ensure that drainage is not only effective but also comfortable and safe for the patient:
- Automatic Pressure Relief: The system is equipped with automatic valves that release excessive negative pressure, preventing discomfort or injury to the patient. In the event of high positive pressure, the system can also manually release pressure, offering dual protection.
- Knock-over Resistant Design: Designed for stability, the chest drain is built to be knock-over resistant, reducing the risk of disruption to the drainage process and ensuring continuous operation.
- Safe & Simple to Use: The disposable, single-use design reduces the risk of infection and makes the system simple to operate, streamlining the workflow for busy medical teams. Pre-filled water seal units allow for quick setup, and easy-to-read indicators provide real-time data on suction levels, negative pressure, and air leaks.
Clinical Applications of the Vide® Chest Drainage System
The Vide® Chest Drainage System is versatile enough to be used in a variety of clinical settings:
- Critical Care Units (ICUs and Neuro-ICUs): For continuous monitoring and drainage in critically ill patients, including those with severe chest trauma, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax.
- Emergency Departments: In fast-paced environments, the Vide® Chest Drain allows healthcare professionals to quickly and effectively address life-threatening conditions like tension pneumothorax.
- Post-Surgical Care: The system is ideal for managing post-surgical drainage following thoracic surgeries, ensuring proper lung re-expansion and preventing complications such as fluid buildup or infection.
The Vide® Chest Drainage System is a comprehensive and advanced solution for managing chest drainage in patients with conditions like pneumothorax, hemithorax, and pleural effusion. Its thoughtful design, user-friendly features, and precise control options make it an invaluable tool for healthcare professionals in critical care and emergency settings.
By offering a range of configurations including water seal, dry suction, and dry seal systems, the Vide® Chest Drain meets the diverse needs of patients, from neonates to adults, while prioritising safety, efficiency, and ease of use. Explore the Vide® Chest Drainage System today and elevate the quality of chest drainage care in your facility.