AgiTube: A Device for Preventing Retained Hemothorax

In recent militaryengagements, thoracicinjuries occurred in nearly10% of wounded US personnel and are a primary orcontributingfactor in up to 75% of all civilian trauma-related deaths. Hemothorax, an accumulation of blood in the pleural space, is a common, lifethreatening result ofchest trauma.Whilethemajority of traumatic hemothoraces aremanaged by tubethoracostomy alone, in many cases ameasurable amount of blood remains in thechest after tube placement, a condition known as retained hemothorax(RH). Early video assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) has become a preferred primary management option for RH. VATS, however,requires skilled surgical specialists and supporting technology and staff–resources that are not found in all settings that managethoracictrauma. To thisend, InnoVital Systems, Inc., in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin, proposes to continue development and clinical testing of the“AgiTube”: a flexible, lowcost and easy-to-usesystem thatenables pleural lavagevia theexistingchest tube. AgiTubeis administered at thetime of initial chest tube placement and facilitatescontinued therapy at the bedside over the duration ofchest drainage, as necessary.