Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Digital Chest Drainage System in Traumatic Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is the major complication in patients with chest trauma. Thoracic injury is a major cause of trauma-related deaths, with up to half of these patients developing pneumothorax. The initial primary management of pneumothorax is intercostal chest drainage (ICD). Chest drainage systems are used to resolve pleural air leakage (PAL), lymphatic or exudative effusion, blood accumulation after chest surgery or trauma, and other disease conditions such as pneumothorax. This study evaluates the efficacy of a digital chest drainage system (Thopaz⁺, Medela AG, Baar, Switzerland) in patients with pneumothorax following chest trauma and analyzes the satisfaction score by patients.

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre at the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTVS). All patients with a diagnosis of traumatic pneumothorax/hemopneumothorax from January 2021 to June 2022, aged more than 15 years, were enrolled for the study. A total of 102 patients required chest drainage systems and were selected for the study. We analysed demographic data, clinical profiles, and routine investigations with chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans. All patients were connected with digital drainage devices and monitored for air leaks and other complications. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by a purposefully developed survey questionnaire.

Most of our study subjects were male (84.3%) and the mean age was 42.38±15.75 years. The total duration of chest tube, post-operative air leak and duration of hospital stay were noted. The mean chest tube duration was 4.39±1.18 days. Twelve patients were found to have air leaks with digital drainage devices. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.75±1.49 days. All subjects were provided with a survey questionnaire to assess their response to digital drainage devices. We found that patients were comfortable and had positive responses for the Thopaz⁺ device.

We found that Thopaz⁺ digital drainage system is useful in reducing chest tube duration and hospital stay. It also helps in the early resolution of air leaks and minimises complications. Most of our patients showed a positive attitude. With regard to Thopaz⁺ digital device, our study concludes that Thopaz⁺ should be considered for patients who need chest tube drain for pneumothorax.