Alexander Smith, Akshay Patel, Muhammad Mansoor, Raya Almaraihah, Kevin Sales, Khine Wai, Krishna Mani, Adnan Charaf, Marjan Jahangiri  |  May 2, 2025

This study compared digital and underwater seal drainage systems in cardiac surgery patients. After matching patients for comparison, those using digital drainage had a significantly lower risk of post-operative atrial fibrillation. However, there were no differences in other outcomes like bleeding, tamponade, pleural effusion, or drain output. The findings suggest…

Antonino Di Franco , Sigrid Sandner , Giovanni Jr Soletti , Charles A Mack , Björn Redfors , Mario Gaudino  |  March 28, 2025

PP is a surgical technique used to drain the pericardium, helping to manage post-operative pericardial effusion (PPE). This procedure lowers post-operative atrial fibrillation and PPE through continuous drainage, offering a safer, lower-cost alternative. Clinical trials and meta-analyses support its benefits. Click here to read more: https://doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezae182

Jurij M Kalisnik , Vitalijs Zujs , Janez Zibert , Islam Batashev , Spela Leiler , Jacob Arne B Carstensen , Jan-Niklas Krohn , Theodor Fischlein  |  March 28, 2025

Different drainage modalities and chest placement strategies significantly affect postoperative outcomes in coronary artery bypass graft patients. This article shows that portable digital drainage system (Thopaz+, Medela) outperformed conventional drainage systems in reducing RBS interventions, supporting early re-exploration for bleeding, and reducing postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence and resource utilization. Digital…

Bernd Niemann , Philippe Grieshaber  |  March 28, 2025

RBS is a serious complication of cardiac surgery, leading to poorer outcomes through haemodynamic suppression and heightened inflammatory responses. Preventing pericardial and pleural effusions should be a key focus in cardiac surgical care. Click here to read more: https://doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezae282

Kevin W. Lobdell, Louis P. Perrault, Rachel H. Drgastin, Alessandro Brunelli, Robert J. Cerfolio, Daniel T. Engelman, ERAS Cardiac Society Working Group  |  April 9, 2024

Central Message Wide variation in the use of chest drains after cardiothoracic surgery can compromise consistency of care and outcomes. The new science of drainology represents an opportunity for quality improvement. Perspective Current practices for chest drain management are typically based on clinical tradition because of a lack of quality…

Kevin W. Lobdell, MD and Daniel T. Engelman, MD  |  February 20, 2021

In the PAST, traditional practice with eminence-based therapies have led to a wide variation of practice. PRESENTLY, new technology has emerged, confounders and variables are being addressed. Yet, quality evidence is rare. This review article surveys what is available regarding chest drain management practices. Scientific gaps, unmet needs, and opportunities…