Commentary: New technology impact on chest tube clotting after cardiac surgery. A possible paradigm shift?

Drainology: Leveraging research in chest-drain management to enhance recovery after cardiothoracic surgery

“…Finally, another novel technique that may be worthy of addressing in future guidelines is CPPF. E100 , E101 , E102 , E103 First described in 2015 in 21 adult patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease, E28 the technique involves continuous, volume-controlled irrigation of the pericardial space after sternal closure with warm saline, which is introduced through an inflow tube placed into the same incision as the pericardial drain. This study, along with a second pilot study in 42 patients undergoing CABG, found that CPPF was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in postoperative blood loss.…”

Chest Tube Management: Past, Present, and Future Directions for Developing Evidence-Based Best Practices

“…Similar in concept, a system that uses integrated suction and automated air sweep has recently been developed for sterile, active chest tube clearance. 42,43 To date, its feasibility has been demonstrated in 27 patients. Additional evidence will be required before its ability to mitigate the risk of tube occlusion and associated retained blood complications can be comprehensively compared with conventional drains.…”