Haemothorax
- Large bore drain 1, (>24 Fr) 1 recommended for drainage of haemothorax and assessment of ongoing haemorrhage
Pneumothorax
- Small bore drains (8-14 Fr) usually recommended
- Medium bore drains should be considered for pneumothorax with mechanical ventilation
- Large bore drains should be considered for traumatic pneumothorax where blood may be present in addition to air
- Large bore drains recommended when a drain has failed to resolve a pneumothorax due to excessive air leakage
Pleural effusion (Malignant, parapneumonic or empyema)
- Small bore drains (8-14 Fr) usually recommended
- Medium bore drains (16-24 Fr) should be considered for more viscous fluid