Initial experience with the world's first digital drainage system.: The benefits of recording air leaks with graphic representation

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new digital drainage system, the DigiVent (TM) Chest Drainage System that gives accurate measurements of air leakage and pleural. pressures and can display those measurements over time. Methods: The DigiVent (TM) Chest Drainage System was tested in three steps: Step 1; first clinical use in five patients, Step 2; management and acceptance in further 15 patients and Step 3; reliability in routine use in 50 patients. Result: The results from Steps 1 and 2 showed that the system was good enough for extended use. The results from Step 3 showed excellent clinical performance, however, we experienced device malfunctions in four cases without any consequences for the patients. The cause of the malfunctions was identified and steps taken to prevent their further occurrence. Conclusion: The ability of the DigiVent (TM) to measure airflow and present mean values for 1, 3 and 6 h proved to be very practical. The ability to save data and present curves for the entire course of treatment will be an advantage for research in the field of lung surgery. (c) 2007 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.