Chest drains

Question 1

What is the difference between open and closed drain placement?

Answer 1

Open - during surgical exploration of thorax

Closed - thorax remains closed

Question 2

In which intercostal spaces are chest drains placed?

Answer 2

Enter skin at 10-11th

Enter thorax at 7-8th

Question 3

How high up the thorax should chest drains be placed?

Answer 3

Midway up thorax

Side based on imaging/clinical findings

Question 4

When should chest drains be removed?

Answer 4

ASAP
When <2-3mls/kg/day fluid
(drains cause pleural fluid production of 2-3mls/kg/day)