Automated optical detection of air leaks in chest tube drainage system

A chest tube drainage system comprising:

• a chest tube collection system comprising a drainage collection chamber, a water seal chamber having front and back surfaces, a suction control chamber, and a water seal tube in fluid communication with the drainage collection chamber and the water seal chamber;
• and
• a detachable air leak detection system;
• wherein the detachable air leak detection system comprises:
• a securement device having a first arm and an opposing second arm;
• a light emitting element disposed only on the first arm;
• a first photodetector disposed on the first arm adjacent to the light emitting element;
• and
• a second photodetector disposed on the second arm across from the light emitting element;
• wherein when the first and second arms of the securement device are attached to the front and back surfaces of the water seal chamber, the first photodetector is configured to detect reflected light emission generated by the light emitting element, and the second photodetector is configured to detect an interruption or refraction of light emission generated by the light emitting element.