Tag Archives: thoracic vent chest tube

How To Care For Thoracic Vent Tube?

The thoracic vent is a small device connected to your chest. It features a one-way valve that seals with a port and a thin flexible catheter that allows extra air to escape from your chest. This allows your lung to fully expand. You can attach the vent to your chest using adhesive wings.

You can also get the placement of the thoracic vent chest tube from https://www.centese.com/cardiac-surgery/. It may also be sutured (stitched) in place. If you have had an air leak for more than 7 days, you may be discharged from the hospital with a thoravent.

These are some tips to take care of your thoracic vent.

  • Your Thora-Vent shouldn't touch your skin. The catheter (tube) shouldn't be visible. Your healthcare provider should be notified immediately if your catheter is visible.
  • Tape can be used to hold the adhesive wings in place if they begin to separate from your skin. Tape is not recommended for the chamber.
  • You should not move or remove your vent. Your healthcare provider should be contacted immediately if your vent is moving out of its place. You can use the Vaseline(r), gauze that your nurse gave to you and cover the area with it. Apply them to your skin.
  • f your vent drains fluid, call your healthcare provider’s office right away. If this happens, you may need to connect your vent to a drainage bag. To remove the fluid, open the valve at the bottom of the drainage bag and pour it into the toilet. If you need to do this, your healthcare provider will give you more information.

Your healthcare provider will check your Thora-Vent at your next clinic appointment.