Clinical Guidelines (Nursing) | 合法醫療器材資訊網

UnderWaterSealDrain(UWSD):Drainagesystemof3chambersconsistingof...orhangingonthebed;Ensurethewatersealismaintainedat2cmatalltimes ...

Note: This guideline is currently under review.  

Chest drains also known as under water sealed drains (UWSD) are inserted to allow draining of the pleural spaces of air, blood or fluid, allowing expansion of the lungs and restoration of negative pressure in the thoracic cavity. The underwater seal also prevents backflow of air or fluid into the pleural cavity. Appropriate chest drain management is required to maintain respiratory function and haemodynamic stability. Chest drains may be placed routinely in theatre, PICU and NICU; or in the emergency department and ward areas in emergency situations.

Some cardiac surgical patients will have Redivac drains inserted, these are different from UWSD. Please refer to redivac guideline http://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Pleural_and_mediastinal_drain_management_after_cardiothoracic_surgery/ ...