Consensus Guideline

Pleural Drains in Adults

Published: August 2016. Next review: 2024.

The Pleural Drains in Adults - A Consensus Guideline has been developed with the aim to improve the care provided to adult patients with a pleural drain in NSW acute hospital facilities. The recommendations contained within this document may also be suitable for older adolescents requiring pleural drain insertion.

The guideline describes aspects of clinical care, clinician skills and processes within a facility that if followed will reduce the risks associated with the insertion of pleural drains (non-emergency), ongoing management, trouble shooting and removal of pleural drains in adult patients.

Pleural drains in adults: a consensus guideline

This video is also divided into seven sections, available on the following pages:

Part 1: Equipment set up

Equipment required for pleural drain insertion

Part 2: Patient positioning and observations

Position the patient

Part 3: Locating an appropriate insertion site

Confirm the site for drain insertion

Part 4: Pre-insertion risk assessment and Time Out

Skilled Operators

Part 5: Insertion of a pleural drain by the Seldinger technique

Seldinger technique

Part 6: Suture and samples

Seldinger technique

Part 7: Dressing

Secure the drain and connections

Resources

Pleural drains in adults - a consensus guideline (pdf)

This guideline has been developed with the aim to improve the care provided to adult patients with a pleural drain in NSW acute hospital facilities. Cover image shows preparing a patient for insertion of the pleural drain in the triangle of safety.

Guidance for assessing competency in pleural procedures for advanced trainees and specialist nurses (pdf)

For more information, questions or comments about the Guideline, please contact the Respiratory Network.