Use of the Heimlich valve for treating pneumothorax.

Background and aims: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the use of a small caliber tube connected to Heimlich flutter valve with a conventional thoracic drainage system in the treatment of pneumothorax.

Materials and methods: Patients with simple pneumothorax during the years 1991-1995 in Satakunta Central Hospital were included in this study. Nineteen patients were treated with the Heimlich flutter valve and 57 patients were treated with the standard drainage tube connected to an underwater seal device. The data were collected from hospital records focusing on the duration of chest drainage, the number of chest roentgenograms and the length of hospital stay.

Results: In the Heimlich valve group the mean drainage time was 2,2+/-0.9 days and in the standard thoracic drainage group 3.4+/-3.8 days (p <0.05) respectively. The mean length of hospitalization in the Heimlich valve group was 3.3+/-2.2 days and in the standard thoracic drainage group 5+/-4.9 days (p < 0.01). The number of chest roentgenograms in the Heimlich valve group was 3+/-1.1 and in the standard thoracic drainage group 4.6+/-2.7 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: We believe that the treatment with a small caliber tube and Heimlich valve is a safe and effective procedure. It also reduces the duration of chest drainage and the length of hospital stay.