Wound drains

katiep · Jun 18, 2004

hELLO
Need some help in understanding a particular wound drain if anyone has heard of it 'BELLOVAC". What I would like to know is about is how it suctions out the exudate. As I am a nursing student and have only been shown how these drains work quickly in the nursing lab setting and not getting to do much drain care when I was out on practical, very unfamiliar now as to how they work. If anyone can enlighten me as to how they work to suction I would be very happy.
The reason I am asking is that I have an exam in the next couple of days and it may require me to assess that the drain is suctioning etc
look forward to your replies
SN_2B_RN

Hi, we use this type of vacuum wound drain for short term drainage post operatively of hip and knee replacement wounds. the idea is that in order for the drain to be 'vacced', the chamber collecting the exudate, needs to be in a squeezed closed position and the lower of the 2 clamps closed( to the sealed collection bag) the first clamp (nearest to the patient ) remains open, exudate is then under a vacuum pressure drawn into the ball-like chamber and can be measured once in the collection bag. When the collection 'ball' is full or needs emptying, clamp off to the patient, open the lower clamp and squeezing the 'ball' empty the exudate into the bag. Close the lower clamp and release the upper one and away you go.

Hope this is of some help