Pleur-Evac, Chest Tube, Drainage System, Suction, Water Seal, Teleflex, Atrium, A-6000 Cactus Models

Pleur-Evac:

• What is Pleur-Evac?
• Chest Tube & Drainage System
• Suction
• Water Seal
• Teleflex & Atrium Systems
• A-6000 & Cactus Models

What is Pleur-Evac?

The Pleur-Evac is a specialized chest drainage system designed to collect and measure fluid or air from the pleural cavity after chest surgery, trauma, or lung conditions such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Manufactured by companies such as Teleflex and Atrium, the Pleur-Evac system provides a safe and efficient way to restore negative intrapleural pressure, allowing the lungs to re-expand properly. It combines suction, water seal, and collection chambers in a single disposable unit for simplicity and reliability.

Since its introduction, the Pleur-Evac system has become the gold standard for closed chest drainage. It is used in hospitals worldwide for both adult and pediatric patients. Its transparent, graduated collection chambers allow healthcare providers to easily monitor drainage output and assess respiratory status. Pleur-Evac devices are also compatible with various suction systems and can function in both wet and dry suction configurations depending on the clinical need.

Chest Tube & Drainage System

The chest tube drainage system is an essential part of thoracic care, especially following lung surgeries, pleural effusions, or trauma cases. The system consists of a chest tube inserted into the pleural space, which connects to the Pleur-Evac device through sterile tubing. This setup allows continuous removal of air, blood, or other fluids that might prevent lung re-expansion.

The drainage system works by maintaining one-way flow, preventing air or fluid from re-entering the pleural cavity. The Pleur-Evac incorporates collection chambers to measure fluid drainage accurately and includes visual indicators to help clinicians detect air leaks. The design supports both gravity and suction-assisted drainage, making it versatile for various clinical applications. Clear markings and color-coded sections enhance safety and reduce user error.

Suction

Suction control in the Pleur-Evac system ensures proper negative pressure is maintained in the pleural space. This negative pressure helps the lungs re-expand by removing accumulated air and fluid. The Pleur-Evac system can operate with either wet or dry suction mechanisms:

• Wet suction: Uses a water-filled chamber to regulate suction pressure, typically set around -20 cm H₂O. Bubbling in the chamber confirms suction function.
• Dry suction: Uses a mechanical regulator, offering consistent suction without the need for water, reducing maintenance and spill risk.

Suction levels can be adjusted based on patient condition and physician orders. Modern Pleur-Evac models often feature built-in suction indicators and noise-reduction technology for better patient comfort and monitoring accuracy.

Water Seal

The water seal chamber is a crucial safety component of the Pleur-Evac system, acting as a one-way valve to prevent air from flowing back into the pleural cavity. The chamber typically contains sterile water that moves up and down with the patient’s respiration, allowing clinicians to monitor respiratory fluctuations and detect air leaks.

Bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak, which may be from the lung or the drainage system. This feature provides real-time visual feedback on lung re-expansion and pleural integrity. The water seal chamber also serves as a pressure buffer, ensuring safe operation even if suction is temporarily interrupted. Proper maintenance of water levels is essential for the system’s effectiveness and patient safety.

Teleflex & Atrium Systems

Teleflex and Atrium are two of the leading manufacturers of Pleur-Evac chest drainage systems. Teleflex’s Pleur-Evac line is known for its innovation, reliability, and user-friendly design. The systems often include advanced safety features such as color-coded chambers, built-in suction regulators, and automatic high-negative-pressure relief valves.

Atrium, which is now part of Teleflex, produced the popular Oasis and Express Dry Seal models that set the industry standard for modern chest drainage systems. These models are designed for ease of setup, fast priming, and clear visual monitoring. Both Teleflex and Atrium Pleur-Evac systems are available in sterile, disposable configurations for single-patient use, ensuring infection control and operational efficiency.

A-6000 & Cactus Models

The Pleur-Evac A-6000 and Cactus models represent some of the most advanced configurations of the chest drainage system. The A-6000 model features a dry suction control system, water seal chamber, and three-compartment collection layout. It offers simple setup, clear indicators, and minimal maintenance—ideal for critical care and postoperative environments.

The Cactus model is another variant known for its high visibility, ergonomic design, and reliable performance. It provides efficient drainage and leak detection in a lightweight, compact system. Both models integrate smoothly with hospital suction sources and include safety features such as automatic relief valves and no-spill water seal technology. These innovations have made the A-6000 and Cactus models trusted choices for surgeons and respiratory care professionals around the world.