CHEST DRAIN

摘要

A chest drain is provided of the type comprising a liquid collection chamber (1 ) having an inlet (2) for connection to a chest drain tube (3) and a vent outlet (14) for operative venting to atmosphere or for connection to a source of vacuum. A one-way valve (20, 21 ) is provided for preventing backflow of fluids from the liquid collection chamber by way of the inlet. The inlet to the chest drain has connected to it a variable volume elastomeric bulb (4) in communication with the interior of the inlet and any tube supplying same. Preferably, the elastomeric bulb is connected in line with the inlet and tube supplying same. The elastomeric bulb is preferably selected such that it can be maintained in a collapsed condition by a vacuum of about 20 cm of water.