drain

drain (dran) any device by which a channel or open area may be established for exit of fluids or purulent material from a cavity, wound, or infected area.

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controlled drain  a square of gauze, filled with gauze strips, pressed into a wound, the corners of the square and ends of the strips left protruding.

Mikulicz drain  a single layer of gauze, packed with several thick wicks of gauze, pushed into a wound cavity.

Penrose drain  a thin rubber tube, usually 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter.

stab wound drain  one brought out through a small puncture wound at some distance from the operative incision, to prevent infection of the operation wound.

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drain (drn)

n.

A device, such as a tube, inserted into the opening of a wound or into a body or dental cavity to facilitate discharge of fluid or purulent material.

v.

To draw off a liquid gradually as it forms.

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drain,

n 1. a substance that provides a channel for release or discharge from a wound.
v 2. to release or remove a fluid substance.

drain, cigarette,

n See drain, Penrose.

drain, Penrose (cigarette),

n.pr a thin-walled rubber tube through which a piece of gauze has been pulled.

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drain

1. to withdraw liquid gradually.

2. any device by which a channel or open area may be established for exit of fluids or purulent material from a cavity wound, or infected area. See also wound healing.

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active drain

continuous or intermittent suction is used for greater efficiency in fluid removal.

cigarette drain

a drain made by drawing a small strip of gauze or surgical sponge into a tube of gutta-percha or rubber.

passive drain

relies on gravity and must be placed in a dependent position.

Penrose drain

a thin tube of latex rubber; secretions drain around, not through this tube.

sump drain

a drainage system in which a small air tube is located inside the lumen or wall of a larger tube that drains fluid from a cavity.

underwater drain

the external opening of the drainage tube is immersed in a sealed container of water; used for drains from the pleural cavity to collect drainage yet maintain a mild negative pressure.