“Sawanpracharak” Connector: A Single Tube Intercostal Drainage Connector

Abstract

Background: Intercostal drainage (ICD) is categorized as a minor operation. The system used to drain content
may be either single or double bottle system. The problem of a single bottle system occurs when the content is above
the water level. In a double bottle system, if the patient takes very deep breath, the water may be siphoned from waterseal
bottle into reservoir bottle and causes open pneumothorax.
Objective: To present an ICD connector that can prevent the problem of both single and double bottle systems.
Materials and Method: The “Sawanpracharak” (SPR) connector was designed with the concept that if the
draining tube could be adjusted up to keep the lower end at 2 cm below water all the time, it could correct the problem
of a single bottle system. At the same time, it could remove the reservoir bottle and hence, correct the problem of a
double-bottle system.
Result: The SPR connector was designed, invented and had been applied to patients with pneumo/hemothorax
and parapneumonic effusion. It could drain the pleural content easily and comfortably. No problem of the two systems
is found with this connector.
Conclusion: The SPR connector is a new instrument which can solve the problem of both single- and doublebottle
systems.