Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Outcomes of Heimlich valve drainage in dogs.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Salci, H et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgery
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how well a special drainage device called a Heimlich valve worked in 34 dogs that had various chest surgeries, like removing part of a lung or fixing a hernia. The dogs were monitored closely while the valve helped remove air or fluid from their chest cavities. Most of the dogs did well, with 29 of them not experiencing any complications. However, there were a few issues, such as some dogs having trouble breathing or bleeding after surgery. Overall, the Heimlich valve was effective for continuous drainage, but veterinarians should be aware of the potential complications.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Retrospective study of the outcomes of Heimlich valve drainage in dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of the past 3 years were retrospectively reviewed. Heimlich valve drainage was used in 34 dogs (median body weight 30 +/- 5 kg): lobectomy (n = 15), pneumonectomy (n = 9), intrathoracic oesophageal surgery (n = 2), diaphragmatic hernia repair (n = 1), traumatic open pneumothorax (n = 2), bilobectomy (n = 2), ligation of the thoracic duct (n = 1), and chylothorax and pneumothorax (n = 1 each). Evacuation of air and/or fluid from the pleural cavity was performed with the Heimlich valve following thoracostomy tube insertion. During drainage, the dogs were closely monitored for possible respiratory failure. Termination of Heimlich valve drainage was controlled with underwater seal drainage and assessed with thoracic radiography. RESULTS: Negative intrathoracic pressure was provided in 29 dogs without any complications. Post pneumonectomy respiratory syncope and post lobectomy massive hemothorax, which did not originate from the Heimlich valve, were the only postoperative complications. Dysfunction of the valve diaphragm, open pneumothorax and intrathoracic localisation of an acute gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome caused by a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia following pneumonectomy were the Heimlich valve drainage complications. CONCLUSIONS: The Heimlich valve can be used as a continuous drainage device in dogs, but the complications reported here should be considered by veterinary practitioners.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19335470/