The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2019
Chest tube removal algorithm is associated with decreased chest tube duration in pediatric cardiac surgical patients.
Management of chest tubes in adult and pediatric patients is highly variable. There are no published guidelines for pediatric cardiac surgical patients. Our center undertook a quality improvement project aimed at reducing chest tube duration and length of stay in postsurgical pediatric cardiac patients. ⋯ Implementation of a chest tube removal algorithm for pediatric cardiac surgery patients resulted in decreased chest tube duration and was associated with decreased length of stay and costs without an increase in reinsertions. More significant impact may be attainable with more aggressive approach to removal.