Nursing Instructions for the Tru-Close

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Nursing Instructions for the Tru-Close Thoracic
Vent
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Tru-Close Thoracic Vent
The Tru-Close Thoracic Vent has been designed for
the treatment of spontaneous, traumatic or
iatrogenic simple pneumothorax.
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Managing the Patient

• The self-sealing, self-contained device should be
  in direct contact with the skin.
• No part of the catheter should be visible.
• An airtight seal must be maintained to prevent
  subcutaneous emphysema.
• Do not adjust the position or remove the Thoracic
  Vent under any circumstances.
• Avoid direct contact with water as in showering.
• If skin irritation is observed, notify a
  physician.
• Cap the self-sealing port when not in use.

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Managing the Patient (cont.)

• Using a stethoscope, one should be able to hear
  normal breath sounds on the affected side as the
  lung is re-expanded.
• Any absence of breath sounds can indicate a
  failure of lung re-expansion. Notify a physician.
• Do not disinfect the Thoracic Vent with alcohol
  (propanol). Alcohol will degrade the vent.
• Always clamp the suction tubing set when suction
  is not being applied.
• The unit vents air through small slots/openings
  at the top and the bottom of the vent box just
  behind the front panel. If you use tape to
  secure the vent do not cover these venting slots.

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Managing the Patient (cont.)

• The device is not designed for treatment of hemo
  or hydro pneumothorax.
• Notify a physician if excessive amounts of blood
  or other liquid is observed in the vent box.
• If small amounts of fluid accumulate in the
  device it can be removed via the drainage port at
  the bottom of the device using a syringe.

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The Function of the Red Signal Diaphragm

• The Red Signal Diaphragm indicates the presence
  of the pneumothorax.
• Deflects upward when the pressure in the pleural
  space is positive (gt2mm Hg)
• Deflects downward when the pressure is negative
  (lt2mm Hg).
• Normal intrapleural pressure is constantly
  negative.
• When the diaphragm stays in the downward position
  the pneumothorax may be resolved (notify a
  physician).

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External Suction Attachment

• If attachment to a suction system is desired,
  remove the suction tubing set from its pouch.
• Close the clamp on the tubing set before
  inserting the cannula into the self-sealing port
  on the front of the Vent
• Lock the cannula in place by twisting the luer
  lock.
• Attach the funnel end to the suction system and
  then open the clamp.
• Appropriate evacuating pressures should be used.
  Do not exceed a 14.7 mm Hg (-20 cm water) vacuum.
• Always clamp the suction tubing set when suction
  is not being applied to the Thoracic Vent.
• If the suction tubing set is no longer required,
  remove it and immediately seal the self-sealing
  port with the tethered cap.

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Aspiration of Fluid from the Vent

• The Tru-Close Thoracic Vent is designed to treat
  simple pneumothorax and not recommended for hemo
  or hydro pneumothorax.
• Considering the above, all pneumothoracies do
  produce small amounts of fluid.
• The vent is designed to hold small amounts of
  fluid not in excess of 5cc.
• Small amounts of fluid that accumulate in the
  vent box can be aspirated through the needle-less
  port at the bottom of the vent box using a luer
  lock syringe.

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Conclusion

• When using the Tru-Close Thoracic Vent always
  refer to the IFU contained in the product
  package.
• For additional information please review the
  Thoracic Vent in-service video.
• If you have technical questions relating to the
  Tru-Close Thoracic Vent please contact UreSil
  Customer Service at
• [phone].
• Thank You