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Comparative Analysis of Analog and Digital Chest Tube Drainage Systems Using a High-Fidelity 3D-Printed Neonatal
F-X Anzinger1, T J Hashagen2, P Palaniappan2
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich | LMU, Munich, Germany.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|April 11, 2025
Summary
Digital chest drainage systems show promise for neonates, offering greater flexibility than analog systems. However, potential suction increases during flushing require further investigation for neonatal safety.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Thoracic Surgery
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Digital chest tube drainage systems are emerging, with limited data on their use in pediatric and neonatal patients.
- This study investigates the performance of digital versus traditional analog systems in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy and reliability of digital and analog chest drainage systems in simulated neonatal thoracic conditions.
- To evaluate the suitability of a 3D-printed model for pre-clinical testing of these devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-fidelity 3D-printed thoracic model for direct measurements and system testing.
- Assessed both digital and analog systems across various suction pressures (-1 to -20 cmH2O).
- Investigated the impact of siphon effects and automatic flushing in the digital system.
Main Results:
- Significant pressure discrepancies between digital and analog systems were observed at -10 and -20 cmH2O.
- Analog systems became unreliable below -10 cmH2O.
- Digital systems generally maintained set pressures, with occasional overshoots to -30 cmH2O during flushing.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed model effectively simulated thoracic conditions for pre-clinical device evaluation.
- Digital systems demonstrated greater flexibility, maintaining pressures down to -5 cmH2O, unlike analog systems.
- While digital systems offer potential advantages, the risk of increased suction during flushing necessitates further safety assessments for neonatal application.
