Managing a Thoracic Vent: Care Instructions

A thoracic vent helps remove extra air from the area around the lungs. It helps you breathe more easily. A thoracic vent is designed to help treat a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or help keep air out of the chest after surgery.

One end of the chest tube is inside the chest (between the ribs). The other end is outside the chest. It has a one-way valve on the end. This lets air drain out of the tube and doesn’t let air back into the chest. This helps the lung expand more and heal faster.

• Look at the device and adhesive dressing daily. The device should directly touch your skin. No tubing should be visible.
• Check the skin at the insertion site to make sure it’s healthy.
• Keep the device in the same place. Don't move or reposition it.
• If fluid collects in the device, contact your care team. They may remove the fluid with a syringe or collection bag.
• Your doctor will teach you how to monitor the red signal diaphragm on the device. Contact your doctor as directed if the signal changes position.

• You should be able to do many of your usual activities.
• Avoid getting the tube and dressing wet. Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub.
• Talk to your doctor about taking a shower. The doctor may recommend that you use a waterproof dressing.
• Talk to your doctor about any lifting restrictions.

Contact your doctor or nurse right away if you:

• Have a hard time breathing.
• Feel weak or dizzy.
• Feel like your heart is beating faster than usual.
• Have fluid or blood collecting in the device.
• Have new chest pain.
• Notice symptoms of an infection, including:
  • A fever.
  • A cough.
  • New or different coughed-up mucus (phlegm).
• Have problems with your device, such as:
  • Blood clots in the tubing.
  • Leaks or cracks.
  • The vent getting displaced or coming out. Do not try to push it back in.
  • Skin warmth, redness or another color change, swelling, or pain near the device.