- Usually placed in the ‘Triangle of Safety’:
- Anterior border of latissimus dorsi
- The lateral border of the pectoralis major
- A line superior to the horizontal level of the nipple (5th intercostal space)
- Apex below the axilla
- It is a safe place because of its location above the diaphragm and a very thin chest wall musculature, allowing rapid and minimally painful insertion
- A more posterior position may be chosen in the presence of a locule but while this is safe:
- Must be inserted under imaging
- Not the preferred site as it is more uncomfortable for the patient to lie on after insertion, and there is a risk of the drain kinking
