An experimental pleural drainage device in hypertensive pneumothorax

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a specific device for pleural drainage in hypertensive pneumothorax. Methods: The prototype was modeled from the free version of a 3D modeling application, printed on a 3D printer using ABS® plastic material, and tested in a pleural drainage simulator. Results: Pleural drainage in the simulator using the prototype was feasible and reproducible. Conclusion: While the prototype is functional in the simulator, it requires improvement and refinement for use in humans.