Improved method of securing surgical drains

Create a device that will alleviate the pain that is experienced from the attachment of surgical drains

Project Overview

Surgical drains are used to keep certain fluids and air from accumulating in a dead space that is created during surgery [1]. These are attached to patients using sutures which are stitches that attach and hold the tube in the patient's skin [1]. However, these sutures cause pain and discomfort due to tension at the suturing site [2][3]. The created device will address this problem by reducing the amount of tension produced at the suturing site. This problem will be addressed with two approaches. One approach will be to develop a device that improves the attachment of the surgical drains to the skin. The other approach will be to create a housing for the drain tubing and bulb. As a result, the patient will have a much more comfortable and painless experience with the surgical drains.

[1] R. Durai and P. C. H. Ng, “Surgical vacuum drains: types, uses, and complications,” AORN J., vol. 91, no. 2, pp. 266–71; quiz 272–4, 2010.

[2] D. W.-Y. Li, “Dr. Li's guide to getting drains after surgery,” Surgical Seecrets, 07-Oct-2020. Available: https://surgicalseecrets.com/blogs/articles/guide-to-getting-drains-after-surgery.

[3] L. U. M. Corion, M. J. C. Smeulders, P. P. M. van Zuijlen, and C. M. A. M. van der Horst, “Draining after breast reduction: a randomised controlled inter-patient study,” J. Plast. Reconstr. Aesthet. Surg., vol. 62, no. 7, pp. 865–868, 2009.

Team Picture

Pictured left to right: Lauren Heller (BSAC), Rebekah Makonnen (BPAG), Dana Stumpfoll (Team Leader), Oscar Zarneke (Communicator), Abdoulahi Bah (BWIG)

Files

Final Notebook (December 14, 2022)
Final Report (December 13, 2022)
Final Poster Presentation (December 9, 2022)
Preliminary Report (October 11, 2022)
Preliminary Presentation (October 7, 2022)
PDS (September 23, 2022)

Contact Information

Team Members

Dana Stumpfoll - Team Leader
Oscar Zarneke - Communicator
Lauren Heller - BSAC
Abdoulahi Bah - BWIG
Rebekah Makonnen - BPAG

Advisor and Client

Prof. Tracy Jane Puccinelli - Advisor
Dr. Katie Kalscheur - Client

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