Remote-Controlled, Wireless Chest Drainage System: An Experimental Clinical Setting

Purpose. This experimental investigation was aimed at verifying the feasibility and safety of a remote-controlled wireless chest drainage system for in-hospital, outpatient, or domiciliary management of prolonged air leaks. Description. A commercially available digitalized portable vacuum unit was adapted to incorporate a unit for telemetric data transmission and controlling suction levels through Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology. Evaluation. The system was tested in 1 patient after right upper lobectomy and wedge resection of the right lower lobe. The air leaks were monitored in the High Dependency Unit, on the thoracic floor, and after admission to an outside guest house. The system showed dependable monitoring and alteration of suction levels equally in the 3 environments and at different stages of the postoperative course. Conclusions. A remote-controlled wireless chest drainage system is technically feasible and appears dependable. Its use in the management of large series of patients will contribute to the refinement of indications and technical troubleshooting. (Ann Thorac Surg 2013;95:319-22) (C) 2013 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons