A drainage tube for mediastinal abscesses

The problem of mediastinal abscesses following esophageal rupture or perforation continues to be a source of considerable morbidity and mortality. Drainage of the paraesophageal area by semirigid chest catheters can occasionally cause aortic erosion. A technique of using soft rubber drains within the standard chest tube combines the benefits of early suction with long term drainage of the abscess cavity.