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Introduction
This leaflet will provide you with information on your Thora-vent device and what to do when you are at home. If after reading the information, you have any further questions, please speak to one of the team.
About your Thora-Vent device
• Your Thora-Vent is a small device placed on the front of your chest to drain air from the chest cavity due to air leak called a pneumothorax.
• It has a one-way valve with a self-sealing port and a small catheter (thin, flexible tube) that lets extra air out of your chest. It allows your lung to fully re-expand.
• The vent is secured to your chest with adhesive wings. It may also be sutured (stitched) in place.
Your vent is made up of 2 parts:
1. The chamber which is the main part of your vent. Within the chamber, there is a red signal diaphragm that tells your healthcare provider the status of air leak.
When the diaphragm stays in the downward position for about 1 hour or longer, your lung may have fully re-expanded.
2. Adhesive wings. There are 2 adhesive wings which are located on both sides of the chamber and hold it in place (see figure 1 below).
How to care for your ambulatory device
• Your Thora-Vent should be in direct contact with your chest.
• Keep your Thora-Vent device dry at all times. When having a wash direct any water away from the vent.
• If the adhesive wings start to separate from your skin, use tape to secure them in place. Do not put tape on the chamber or red diaphragm.
• You can do mild exercises, such as walking and climbing stairs as this will help you gain strength and feel better.
• You can also do breathing exercises to help your lung re-expand.
Please call the pleural clinic on 01782 675353 if:
• The catheter (tube) is visible including the part going into your skin. No part of the catheter should be visible.
• Your vent moves out of place or the device becomes separated from your skin. Do not change the position or remove your vent at any time yourself.
• Your vent drains fluid into chamber.
• You have a fever (38 C˚ or higher).
• Your red signal diaphragm is in the downward position for 1 hour or longer.
• You have new chest pain or shortness of breath.
• The area near the insertion site becomes red, puffy or feels warm and painful when you touch it.
• Your vent is collecting blood or other fluid.
Activities to avoid while ambulatory device is in place
• Do not do any strenuous exercise or sports while Thora-Vent device is in place.
• Do not fly.
• Do not lift anything heavy.
• Do not take bath, go swimming, or submerge yourself in water.
Contact details
Pleural clinic
tel: 01782 675353
Pleural Clinic Co-ordinator tel: 01782 671247
Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5pm
Out of hours
Call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department