Novel self-fixation chest drain device tested in a swine model of pneumo-hemothorax

Abstract

Introduction

Thoracic injuries account for 20–25% of trauma-related deaths. In cases of pneumothorax the insertion of a chest tube is mandatory but associated with high complication rates particularly when inserted under difficult conditions. The C-Lant is a novel chest-tube insertion device that provides integrated double fixation capabilities and can be used by responders with minimal experience. The aim of the study was to test the device in a large animal model.

Material and methods

Pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, and hemothorax were induced in four white domestic female pigs. The C-Lant device (Vigor Medical Technologies, Haifa, Israel) was inserted as any chest-drain to decompress the thorax. Pull test was applied to test the strength of device fixation.

Results

The insertion of the device was simple and effective without detectable negative physiological effects. Reliable fixation was achieved without difficulty. Air and liquid were promptly drained from the chest cavity. Minimal tissue laceration occurred when applying the device in a scenario of erroneous pneumothorax diagnosis with fully expanded lungs. Interconnection with other surgical accessories was smooth.

Conclusion

The C-Lant is a novel device that facilitates easy insertion and fixation of chest-tubes by minimally experienced medical providers and reduces the likelihood of unwanted expulsion. Clinical studies are planned.

Keywords:

• Pneumothorax
• chest trauma
• thoracic injury
• chest drain
• pre-hospital care

Declaration of interest

All authors report no conflicts of interest associated with this study.

Presentations

Data for this study was presented as a poster at the Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS), Kissimmee, FL, USA, August 2017.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps and the Directorate of Defense Research & Development, Israeli Ministry of Defense, and by the Alexander Grass Foundation Fund for Research in Military Medicine of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prof. Gertz is the Director of the Military Track of Medicine and The Institute for Research in Military Medicine, and the Brandman Foundation Professor of Cardiac and Pulmonary Diseases Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Vigor Medical Technologies (Nesher, Israel) provided the C-Lant devices. The company had no involvement in analysing the data or preparation of the manuscript.