Glossary/Recovery & Rehabilitation

Chest Tube.

A flexible tube inserted through the chest wall after heart surgery to drain blood, fluid, and air from around the heart and lungs. Typically removed within one to three days after surgery when drainage decreases.

Definition

What is chest tube?

A flexible tube inserted through the chest wall after heart surgery to drain blood, fluid, and air from around the heart and lungs. Typically removed within one to three days after surgery when drainage decreases.

Related Terms

Related glossary terms.

Sternotomy
A surgical incision through the breastbone (sternum) to access the heart and major blood vessels....
Pleural Effusion
An accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall. A common finding after he...
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