Current concepts in thoracic drainage systems.

Thoracic drainage systems are currently marketed in many varieties, resulting in significant cost and complicating patient management. Realistic needs have been identified from a survey of thoracic surgeons. These are: (1) clear plastic chest catheters with multiple drainage holes in sizes 28, 32, and 36F for adults and 16, 20, and 24F for infants and children; (2) serrated plastic connectors that can be sized at operation; (3) connecting tubes of clear plastic 6 feet long with a diameter of 1/2 inch; (4) a single graduated volume-collecting bottle of 1- to 2-liter capacity that can be emptied and marked, with a separate waterseal component and an associated manometer; and (5) a highflow vacuum source. A drainage system with these characteristics should be safe, effective, simple, and less costly.