RE-EXPLORATION AND ECONOMIC JUSTIFICATION OF A CHEST DRAINAGE PROTOCOL IMPLEMENTING ACTIVE TUBE CLEARANCE AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY

Appropriate evacuation of shed blood with chest tubes is a critical component of patient care after cardiac surgery as re-exploration for bleeding or tamponade is a morbid, lethal and costly complication. Drainage protocols involving extended drainage duration, specific placement of silastic drains or prevention of intraluminal clogging have all exhibited the potential to reduce the need for re-exploration. This sub-study from a larger...