Chest tube vs pig tail question

Specialties Cardiac

Published

Hi fellow nurses,

Before I ask this question, I would like to thank all the great nurses that share their knowledge and expertise with us. I have learnt so much since I signed up for this forum. Two days ago, I went to a seminar on cardiac medications and to tell you the truth I did not learn more than what I already learn from the ICU FAQS posted by one of you fine nurses. So keep up the good job. icon14.gif

Now my question is, what is the difference between a pig tail and chest tube? I have seen both of them used for pleural effusion drainage, but i don't understand why one is used and not the other. icon5.gif

Thanks in advance for your answer/s.

jer_sd

369 Posts

pigtail drainage caths have a curl that helps to keep them in place. When we place chest tubes they can be pig tail, j tip or straight (like normal chest tubes) just make sure you kno what type of tube it is and how to release the j or pigtail before you pull itJeremy

Nursebarebari

412 Posts

pigtail drainage caths have a curl that helps to keep them in place. When we place chest tubes they can be pig tail, j tip or straight (like normal chest tubes) just make sure you kno what type of tube it is and how to release the j or pigtail before you pull itJeremy

Got it,

thanks a lot

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