A new technique to maintain closed-suction drainage catheter function.

Closed-suction catheter drains offer many advantages over previously used systems in head and neck surgery. Occlusion of drains with either tissue fragments of thrombus, however, is a relatively common problem. Several methods have been proposed to restore flow to obstructed drains. These methods are reviewed and a new method is described that is efficacious, avoids wound contamination, and is relatively inexpensive.