Chest tube vs pig tail question

[Nursebarebari]

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.

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.

Thanks in advance for your answer/s.

[jer_sd]

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]

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