Thopaz+ portable digital system for managing chest drains

Thopaz+ (Medela UK) is a portable digital chest drain system that provides regulated negative pressure close to the patient's chest and continuously monitors and records air leak and fluid drainage. The system comprises an in-built, regulated suction pump with a digital display, rechargeable battery, tubing that connects to any standard chest drain catheter and a Thopaz+ disposable fluid collection canister. Sensors in the system turn the pump on and off to ensure the pressure level set by the healthcare professional is precisely maintained.

The rental cost of each Thopaz+ unit, as stated in the company's submission, is £115 per month. It can also be purchased for £3,570 [2022].

The claimed benefits of Thopaz+ in the case for adoption presented by the company are:

• reduced chest tube duration

• shorter length of hospital stay

• reduced rates of patient complications

• higher patient satisfaction

• reduced hospital costs

• increased convenience for doctors and nursing staff

• improved chest drain management

• better prediction of patient outcomes

• less plastic consumable waste.