My Heimlich Valve

[filcab]

Not my best looking pictures, but they give you a little idea of what my valve looks like and an idea of the size. It is very light weight and most of the time I do not even know it's there.

This is the tube entering my chest.


After my dressing has been changed.


The actual size of the valve. Approximately 7" long and the diameter of a 5 cent piece.


This is the reservoir that catches any pleural fluid that leaks out. The little "chimney" on top allows the air from the lungs to bleed off.


I remember as a kid playing with a toy that had a rubber piece on the end, and when you blew into it, it would sound like a Bronx Cheer or raspberries. The Heimlich valve was designed by Heimlich with this toy as his impetus. His valve is a refined version of the toy.

Hope this clears the waters a little,

Phil

[John]

Phil now you can call a friend get a
then hop in you car

& go over to the i136.photobucket.com/albums/q193/jpe449/PhilsGym.gif[/IMG]
& go to the gym Glad your home & feeling better

[bobbioh]

Thank you now I know . Very intresting. Take care and keep getting stronger .Bobbioh

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

What in the dickens are you doing showing your chest on the net? . Does Pat know or is she party to it?

So how often does the VON come in? Did your Dr suggest how long you might be using it? Does it interfere with sleep (rolling over)? What gets collected; anything other than air?

I know, I know....a lot of questions but....that's how we learn isn't it?

When you feel up to it maybe you could tell us a bit more?

Be well Phil.....Hugs, J

[morningstar]

Phil,

I will add to Jackie's where does it go? Do you release the air, liquid, whatever? Does it pull, how far in your lung is it? Inquiring minds wants to know.
Please eat lots of protein they told me when I got out of the hospital that protein was the one thing I should get a lot of, so grab a steak and a jar of peanut butter and have a ball.

Hi Ho Hi Ho its, off to eat you go,

Happy Trails,

[cheryl]

Boy, that brings back memories. Mine was inserted lower than yours and more to the side of my body. Just remember, be careful with those car doors. Get well soon!

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

How long was yours in Cheryl? Was it for fluid or air or both?

[cheryl]

Jackie - Mine was in for 7 weeks. They let the fluid and air out, but not back in. When I'd go for my checkup with the surgeon, he would disconnect the bottle and stick the end of the tube into a glass of water and tell me to cough. If there were bubbles in the water, the lung was still leaking.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Something so simple but so telling....sticking the tube into a glass of water....sheesh...Seven weeks seems like a long time. Were you "active" at all while it was in? Were you limited?

Phil....is that what they'll be doing with yours?

[cheryl]

While my tube was still in, I didn't do anything more strenuous than walking. I was told to walk as much as possible. I could feel mine in there. It was like a weight hanging down. Seven weeks is a long time. The nurses told me it's usually about seven days. The surgeon said my lung was quite diseased and that is why mine took so long to heal.

[filcab]

Hi Guys,

Blossom - Pat took those provocative and titillating pictures of my Adonis like body. The VON comes in every third day and she will be back tomorrow (Sunday). We still don't know how long this will be in. I usually sleep on my back or on my left side so that the valve is not an issue when I sleep. When I go to the thoracic surgeon on Tuesday, he will decide whether or not to clamp off the tube and see how I react. This will be done only if the leak has stopped.

Rosemarie - The valve allows air and pleural fluid to leak out of the pleural cavity. The bottle holds the fluid and allows the air to escape. The tube does not go into the lung itself, but rather the pleural cavity, between the lungs and the ribcage. The whole assembly does pull on the odd occasion.

Following is a great link that explains it all nicely:

Chest tubes

Phil

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Gotta give you guys credit; quite the ordeal.

[morningstar]

Phil and Cheryl,

I should hope that if I would ever need one of these I would handle it with as much grace and dignity that you two have. And Phil wonderful that you would place your self on display so other can learn. Proud to know you Fearless Leader.
Thanks for the link I will read it and I thank you for the info.

God's Speed on getting well,

[cheryl]

Thank you, Thank you,

We are all wonderful, aren't we? (tongue in cheek) ;D

[morningstar]

Cheryl,

Yes to your question.

Now I have one. Do you have to go and have that checked every so often or once its healed and your released from the doctor do it? And I know you said you broke your bottle in the door do they not tape them somewhat to your skin so they don't fly in the wind. I notice Phil's dose not appear taped either. IMO it would do better. But what do I know?

Hush its not nice to agree with someone on such things.

Hi Ho

[cheryl]

Rosemarie,

I get an x-ray of my lungs every 6 months and visit my lung specialist who checks the x-rays, answers any questions I might have and sends me on my way for another 6 months. As for the bottle, the surgeon did advise me to tuck it into my pants leg to somewhat protect it. Which of course I didn't -- Live and Learn lolol