Multifunctional Chest Tube Instrument

The US Army has developed a patent-pending chest tube instrument that incorporates a needle driver tip, suture scissors, and clamp into one tool. Instead of handling four instruments, the new invention, in conjunction with a scalpel, is all that is needed to place a chest tube. Background and Opportunity Ergonomic studies of thoracostomy procedures and practitioner feedback demonstrate that a reduction in the number of instruments needed to complete a procedure is beneficial. One chest tube placement typically requires the use of four instruments. Each item required is another item that must be carried, wastes time due to swapping or mishandling, and increases the likelihood of accidental nicks and sticks. The Army’s invention cuts the number of instruments in half by combining the functionality of a clamp, needle driver, and scissors into one tool. Benefits Saves time - Time is not wasted by grabbing additional instruments Simple - Removal of two instruments, simplifies chest tube placement Safe - Fewer instrument transfers means fewer opportunities for accidental nicks and sticks, and eliminates the need to rest instruments on a platform or potentially unsterile surface.