Title: CLEAR-CS Study - Active Chest Tube Clearance After Cardiac Surgery
This study looks at two methods of removing blood and fluid from the chest after heart surgery. After cardiac operations, patients usually have chest tubes placed to drain blood and fluid. Sometimes these tubes get blocked, leading to retained blood inside the chest. This can cause complications such as the need for another surgery, heart compression, or longer hospital stays.
The study compares patients who received active chest tube clearance, a method designed to keep the tubes open and remove blood continuously, with patients who received standard passive chest tube drainage.
Researchers will review medical records from three heart surgery centers to see which method is associated with fewer complications, less bleeding, and shorter hospital stays. No additional procedures will be performed as part of this study.
Purpose: To evaluate whether active chest tube clearance improves safety and outcomes after heart surgery compared to standard drainage.
Who Can Participate: This study uses data from adult patients (18 years and older) who underwent heart surgery with chest tubes placed. No new patients will be enrolled.
Duration of Participation: Data from the period 2022-2024 will be analyzed.
Risks and Benefits: There is no direct risk to patients, as no new procedures are being performed. The study may help improve chest drainage practices and reduce complications for future patients