Chest Tube Size Calculator
Select chest tube size (Fr) based on indication, patient type, and weight with insertion site and drainage system recommendations.
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of results from this tool.
Inputs
Results
Recommended Tube Size (Fr)
22
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the Indication (pneumothorax, hemothorax, empyema, or effusion) from the dropdown.
- Select Patient Type (Adult or Pediatric) and enter Patient Weight (kg) for pediatric sizing.
- Review Recommended Tube Size (Fr), Minimum and Maximum acceptable sizes.
- Check Insertion Site guidance (safe triangle for pneumothorax: 4th-5th ICS, anterior axillary line).
- Set Connection type (water seal, Heimlich valve, or suction) and verify Suction Pressure (cmH2O).
What each input means
- Indication
- 1 = Pneumothorax, 2 = Hemothorax, 3 = Empyema, 4 = Pleural Effusion.
- Patient Type (1=Adult, 2=Pediatric)
- 1 = Adult, 2 = Pediatric (sizing adjusted by weight).
- Patient Weight (kg)
- Weight in kg. Used for pediatric tube size estimation.
What each result means
- Recommended Tube Size (Fr)
- Optimal chest tube size in French for the given indication.
- Minimum Size (Fr)
- Lower end of acceptable range.
- Maximum Size (Fr)
- Upper end of acceptable range.
- Insertion Site (1 = Safe Triangle)
- 4th-5th intercostal space, mid-axillary line (safe triangle).
- Connection (1=Seal, 2=Heimlich, 3=Suction)
- Recommended drainage system connection type.
- Suction Pressure (cmH2O)
- Recommended suction pressure. 0 if no suction needed.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input ParametersIndication = 1, Patient Type (1=Adult, 2=Pediatric) = 1, Patient Weight (kg) = 70 = 3 input(s) provided
- Calculate Recommended Tube Size22 = 22
- Calculate Minimum Size20 = 20
- Calculate Maximum Size24 = 24
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