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High-pressure gradients generated by closed-suction surgical drainage systems
Stephen R Grobmyer1, Dennis Graham, Murray F Brennan
1Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Surgical Infections
|January 25, 2003
Summary
Closed suction drains can generate high negative pressures, especially when empty. Drain performance varies, and manipulating them can cause significant pressure increases, potentially leading to complications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Closed suction drains are widely used in surgery.
- Complications have been reported with their use.
- Characterizing pressure generation is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the pressure-generating capacities of three common closed suction drainage systems.
- To investigate how reservoir fullness affects drain pressure.
- To assess the impact of drain "stripping" on pressure.
Main Methods:
- Tested Davol Reliavac 400, Jackson-Pratt, and Snyder Hemovac 400 systems.
- Connected drains to pneumatic pressure transducers for measurement.
- Varied reservoir fluid volume and performed "stripping" maneuvers.
Main Results:
- Maximal negative pressures ranged from -71 to -175 mm Hg with empty reservoirs.
- Pressure generation decreased as reservoir fluid volume increased.
- "Stripping" caused transient pressure elevations, with two systems showing significant residual increases.
Conclusions:
- Closed suction drains can generate high pressures, possibly contributing to surgical complications.
- Significant differences exist in the negative pressure generation capabilities of these systems.
- Drain manipulation ("stripping") can lead to potentially harmful pressure changes.