Importance

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Abstract

A thoracostomy tube provides a pumping arrangement associated with the tube for removing blood and like fluids which enter the tube from the chest cavity area. An elongated tube for conveying liquids is provided, a portion of the tube being insertable, at least in part, into the thoracic cavity area of a patient during a thoracostomy. A valve, which can be, for example, a Heimlich valve, is associated with the tube and is mounted in the distal end portion which is placed into the lung cavity area during the thoracostomy. The valve allows fluids to flow into the tube under the urging of only the pressure normally experienced within the lung cavity. Once fluids pass from the lung cavity area into the tube through the valve, they are removed by a vacuum which is created at the outlet portion of the valve.

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First Claim