Comparison of maximum force to failure of 4 thoracostomy tube connecting devices.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maximum force and displacement to failure of 4 different types of thoracostomy tube connecting devices. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental in vitro study. STUDY POPULATION Four types of thoracostomy tube connecting devices (n = 10 each). METHODS: Four different connecting device configurations (10 constructs each) were tested by maximum distraction to failure using a dynamometer (1) CTTWW-a 3-way connector with a male luer slip attached to a thoracostomy tube by a Christmas tree adapter and secured to the tube with 21 gauge orthopedic wire; (2) CTTWRCW-a 3-way connector with a male luer lock with a rotating collar attached to a tube by a Christmas tree adapter and secured to the tube with 21 gauge orthopedic wire; (3) LVSBC-a Lopez valve attached to a tube with its short-barbed connector; and (4) LVLBC-a Lopez valve attached to a tube with its long-barbed connector. RESULTS: The maximum distraction force to failure was significantly greater for CTTWRCW (250.9 N; range 143.7-293.6) than CTTWW (132.9 N; range 84.2-224.1), LVLBC (90.8 N; range 74.0-123.4), and LVSBC (54.6 N; range 39.6-164.2). The median displacement to failure of CTTWRCW (150 mm; range 54-190) was significantly longer than that of CTTWW (34.5 mm; range 22-70), LVLBC (32.5 mm; range 24-57), and LVSBC (16 mm; range 11-69). CONCLUSION: The CTTWRCW group required greater force to create failure and had a longer displacement to failure, making it a more secure choice for connection to thoracostomy tubes.