Name
#165 Novel Modular Device for Securing 12 to 40 French Chest Tubes in Inpatient and Field Settings
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
Uniformed Services University
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Technology
Learning Outcomes
1) Understand potential medical complications from chest tube insertion
2) How 3D printable devices bridge gaps to improve healthcare outcomes
3) Explain the relevance of improving chest tube securement in hospital, field, and military specific settings.
Session Currently Live
Description
Chest tube placement is a critical procedure performed approximately 1 million times annually in the United States to treat conditions such as severe respiratory illnesses, cardiac diseases, and traumatic injuries. The procedure involves inserting a large-bore thoracostomy tube into the pleural space to facilitate the drainage of air or fluid, thereby restoring normal intrathoracic pressure and supporting cardiopulmonary function. Despite its widespread use and clinical significance, chest tube placement is associated with high rates of complications, including tube displacement, infection, and functional loss due to kinks or malpositioning. These complications can lead to severe consequences, including recurrent respiratory distress, sepsis, and extended hospital stays. Current literature highlights that between 9.2% and 42% of chest tubes experience displacement or accidental removal, posing a significant patient safety risk. Additionally, infection rates associated with chest tube placement are alarmingly high, occurring in approximately 18.2% of cases. Compared to the overall surgical site infection (SSI) rate of 0.5% to 3%, chest tube-related SSIs are up to 36.4 times more frequent. These statistics indicate an urgent need for improved securement methods and postoperative care. Presently, the primary securement method relies on adhesive "drain-fix" dressings, which have demonstrated inadequacies in preventing tube dislodgement and reducing infection risk. Furthermore, the lack of standardized postoperative wound care contributes to inconsistent patient outcomes. This project aims to develop an innovative device designed to enhance chest tube securement and optimize wound management in inpatient and field combat settings. The proposed device will address key requirements, including reducing displacement and fall-out rates, decreasing the time required for securement, minimizing SSI incidence, and introducing a standardized approach to postoperative wound care. Through the development and implementation of this advanced securement system, this research seeks to improve patient safety, procedural efficacy, and overall clinical outcomes for individuals requiring chest tube placement.