A proposed improvised pleural drainage system for veterinary use.

Abstract

Active pleural suction devices may be required for continuous drainage of pleural fluid or air. Such devices may not always be available or economical to stock at all veterinary hospitals. Three designs of pleural drainage systems adapted from standard suction canisters are proposed. The designs were constructed from readily available materials from the veterinary hospital and consist of (1) a 1-bottle system intended for use with pneumothoraces, (2) a 2-bottle system, which can be used for draining air and fluid, and (3) an abbreviated 2-bottle system. The suction pressure was tested using a water manometer for each design. The suction pressure was consistently accurate with designs 1 and 2, with mild fluctuations, intermittently increasing suction pressure in design 1 due to bubbling through the air vent. Design 3 demonstrated a greater degree of pressure fluctuations, which was attributed to having the least water volume, reaching suction pressures up to 1cm H2 O above what was set. The improvised devices appear effective, allow accurate delivery of a set suction pressure, and can be rapidly constructed from inexpensive and readily available equipment.