After cardiac bypass surgery, the surgeon prepares to close the sternotomy. What type of drainage system should the surgical technologist expect will be used?

Following cardiac bypass surgery, a Pleur-Evac drainage system is commonly used to effectively manage any potential fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity. This system is specifically designed to evacuate air and fluid from around the lungs, allowing for optimal lung expansion and reducing the risk of complications such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax.

The Pleur-Evac functions with a closed system that can continuously drain pleural fluid, which is essential in the postoperative setting after significant thoracic surgeries. Its use aids in maintaining proper intrathoracic pressure and facilitates patient recovery.

In contrast, while devices like the Hemovac, Jackson Pratt, and Penrose drains serve important functions in different surgical contexts, they are not typically indicated for the specific requirements of drainage in patients after cardiac bypass surgery. The Hemovac is used for larger volumes of fluid drainage, the Jackson Pratt is often utilized for wound drainage with less volume, and the Penrose is a simple drain that may not provide the necessary level of suction or control required in thoracic procedures. Thus, the Pleur-Evac stands out as the most suitable choice for managing postoperative drainage after cardiac surgeries.