Draping Open Heart Patients/Tube Holder

Published

How are you draping open heart patients, specifically securing the tube holder for bypass lines? We have some safety concerns re: our current practice of securing the metal holder with a penetrating towel clamp which touches the skin and can burn the patient.

Are there non-conductive products on the market, or a better way of draping open heart patients?

Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Our bypass line holders are disposable and made of plastic. Perhaps that would be an option for your facility to move to? We also use penetrating towel clips directly on the patient's skin, not the drape.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you.

A plastic tube holder will help. We are concerned about potential for burn with the penetrating towel clip. Have you ever seen a draping method not requiring the metal towel clip? We realize safety holsters should be used, but we want to take our preventative measures a step further.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I've only done cardiac with my current employer, so I haven't seen anything else. However, we have our bovie pencil on the opposite side and it is holstered at all times when not in use. We also clamp the tubing holder low- the upper end is just below the last rib and the lower end is usually upper thigh. The distance can help as well.

Have you had burn issues with your patients?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment