Pleur-evac: Understanding Pleural Drainage Devices

A Pleural Evacuator (also called a Pleur-evac) is a device used to drain fluid, blood, or pus from the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall.

It consists of a drainage bottle, a suction source (wall suction or portable suction pump) and a chest tube that is inserted into the pleural space. The chest tube is connected to the drainage bottle, which creates a negative pressure that draws fluid from the pleural space into the bottle.

The Pleur-evac system allows for continuous drainage of fluid from the pleural space, helping to re-expand the lungs and improve breathing. It is commonly used in cases of pleural effusions, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and empyema (infection in the pleural space). Insertion and management of a Pleur-evac should be performed by trained medical professionals.