Outcomes of Heimlich valve drainage in dogs

Retrospective study of the outcomes of Heimlich valve drainage in dogs.

Medical records of the past 3 years were retrospectively reviewed. Heimlich valve drainage was used in 34 dogs (median body weight 30 +/- 5 kg): lobectomy (n = 15), pneumonectomy (n = 9), intrathoracic oesophageal surgery (n = 2), diaphragmatic hernia repair (n = 1), traumatic open pneumothorax (n = 2), bilobectomy (n = 2), ligation of the thoracic duct (n = 1), and chylothorax and pneumothorax (n = 1 each). Evacuation of air and/or fluid from the pleural cavity was performed with the Heimlich valve following thoracostomy tube insertion. During drainage, the dogs were closely monitored for possible respiratory failure. Termination of Heimlich valve drainage was controlled with underwater seal drainage and assessed with thoracic radiography.

Negative intrathoracic pressure was provided in 29 dogs without any complications. Post pneumonectomy respiratory syncope and post lobectomy massive hemothorax, which did not originate from the Heimlich valve, were the only postoperative complications. Dysfunction of the valve diaphragm, open pneumothorax and intrathoracic localisation of an acute gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome caused by a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia following pneumonectomy were the Heimlich valve drainage complications.

The Heimlich valve can be used as a continuous drainage device in dogs, but the complications reported here should be considered by veterinary practitioners.