Chest tube management: Past, present, and future directions for developing evidence-based best practices
Analog Versus Digital Drainage SystemsCardiacDigital drainsDrain CharacteristicsMaintenance of PatencyRemoval Criteria
This narrative review highlights the central role of chest drains in recovery after cardiac surgery while emphasizing the considerable variation in current management practices. Key decisions (including drain type, number, maintenance of patency, and timing of removal) remain largely guided by tradition rather than robust evidence. The authors identify important knowledge gaps and advocate for further research to establish evidence‑based chest drain management strategies that can standardize care and improve postoperative outcomes.
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