Intercostal Drain Insertion (Mattress Suture Technique) for Medical Professionals

Medical Professional - Clinical

This module teaches you how to safely prepare for and perform the insertion of an intercostal drain, using the mattress suture technique.

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Intercostal drain insertion is a common chest tube procedure that assists in draining air, blood and fluid from the pleural space. This module teaches you how to safely prepare for and perform the insertion of an intercostal drain, using the mattress suture technique. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator enables you to practice and tests your ability to perform the insertion of an intercostal drain. Practice the steps of the procedure online as often as you want, until you feel confident.

You’ll learn

pre-procedure considerations
how to infiltrate local anesthetic into the skin and subcutaneous tissues
how to infiltrate local anesthetic into the skin and subcutaneous tissues
how to secure the drain with a simple suture
to visualize the key anatomical structures used during an insertion of an intercostal drain procedure, including external landmarks of the muscles, ribs and pleural space - with our 3D anatomy model
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Tray setup

Step 1.2 - Patient preparation

Step 2 - Infiltrate local anesthetic

Step 3 - Make a skin incision

Step 4 - Insert skin sutures

Step 5 - Perform blunt dissection through the chest wall

Step 6 - Explore the pleural cavity digitally

Step 7 - Insert the chest drain

Step 8 - Secure the drain

Step 9 - Connect the drain

Step 10 - Apply a dressing

Describe pre-procedural considerations for an intercostal drain insertion.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for an intercostal drain insertion.
Identify and demonstrate the proper positioning and technique for an intercostal drain insertion.
Identify the anatomical landmarks used for insertion.
Describe and the demonstrate the provision and maintenance of an aseptic operative field.
Identify and demonstrate the correct placement of sutures, using the mattress suture technique.
Identify and demonstrate the correct steps of the procedure, with possible drawbacks and variations in technique.
Describe and demonstrate the correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Understand correct post-procedure considerations.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long