Tube-Evac Surgical Tubing Clearing Device

Why are surgical tubing drains used?

• Surgical drains are tubes placed near a surgical incision to remove excess fluid or blood that can accumulate at the site. 
• They help prevent complications like hematomas (blood clots) and seromas (collections of clear fluid). 
• They can also help prevent infection by draining pus or infected fluid. 

What can cause clogs:

• Blood Clots: Blood that has been drained can clot and form a blockage in the tubing.
• Debris: Other debris or tissue fragments can also accumulate and clog the drain. 

Before the Tube-Evac, how were surgical tubing drains cleared?

• "Milking": Doctors and nurses "milked" the tubing by squeezing the tubing between a thumb and index finger and moving the fingers along the length of the tube towards the collection bulb to dislodge any clots or debris.  
• Using a Syringe: By attaching a syringe to the end of the tube and create a vacuum to suction out particulate matter. 
• Flushing with Saline: By using a syringe filled with saline to flush the length of the tube.  

The Tube-Evac has now made these tubing clearing methods obsolete.

How does the Tube-Evac work?

Just place the tubing in the groove of the Tube-Evac 1 to 2 inches from where the tubing exits the skin and then slide the Tube-Evac down the length of tubing towards the collection bulb to dislodge any fluid, clots or debris.

When is the Tube-Evac device provided to the patient?

The patient and family members are trained how to use the Tube-Evac device as soon as possible after surgery when the patient is cognizant.  The Tube-Evac then goes home with the patient for continued use at home.

What are the benefits of the Tube-Evac for the nursing staff and hospital?                         

Surgical tubing drains should be cleared every 3-4 hours while the patient is awake.  In some hospitals, nurses no longer clear surgical drains because the patient or the caregiver has been trained to do it with the Tube-Evac.  Nurses simply check to see if the drains are being cleared and the drains are not clogged.  Allowing the patient (or patient's family) to use the Tube-Evac allows more time for nurses to perform other important tasks.

What are the benefits for the patient?

Practicing to use the Tube-Evac while still in the hospital helps to reduce anxiety and provides patients and caregivers the confidence to safely clear the tubing drains themselves after returning home .

Award-winning design

In 2012, Tube-Evac won the Inpex Awards’ Gold Medal in recognition of Innovative Excellence in the Medical Category.  It’s also been named an International Award Winner.

FAQ

Where is the Tube-Evac device made?

The Tube-Evac device is made only in the USA under strict guidelines.

How difficult is it to use the Tube-Evac device?

The Tube-Evac device is so easy to use even a child can use it – and has. We have video showing a child using it.  Put the tube in the groove, slide it down, and you are done!

Can a person that has difficulties with their hands such as a patient with arthritis use the Tube-Evac?

The Tube-Evac device makes it much easier for a person with arthritis to use it because it is very simple to squeeze the Tube-Evac device closed around the drain.  It does not take much dexterity or pressure like it does when clearing a drain with your fingers.  There are no clips or fasteners. The back pressure in the hinge will open it when the pressure is taken off the Tube-Evac device.  Just hold the Tube-Evac device together around the drain and slide it down to clear the tubing.

Can the Tube-Evac device be reused?

The Tube-Evac device is designed for single patient use.  Once the surgical drains are removed the Tube- Evac device is to be discarded.

Why was the Tube-Evac device invented?

The Tube-Evac device was invented by the husband of a breast cancer patient that had surgery with drains.  The inventor was very intimidated and worried that he was not clearing the drains properly.  There needed to be a more standardized process.

Is the Tube-Evac device patented?

Yes it has various patents in the U.S., Canada, Israel and there are patents pending in several foreign countries.  A utility patent was granted to the Tube-Evac device in August 2012, and now have patents pending in several countries outside the U.S.

Is the Tube-Evac device FDA approved?

The Tube-Evac device is registered with the FDA and is assembled and packaged in an FDA-approved clean room.

Can I use the Tube-Evac device if there is blood on the surgical drain?

You should never use the Tube-Evac device on a surgical drain that has blood, fluid, or drainage on or around the surgical site because of the possibility of contamination.  If any of these fluids are present check with your health care provider to make sure the tubing is ready for clearing.

How do I clean the Tube-Evac device?

Just wash in soapy water and rinse then let air dry.

Additional shipping cost to Alaska, Hawaii, US APO/FPO, US Protectorates.