Automated provision of information related to air evacuation from a chest cavity

A device providing a signal for indicating information related to air evacuation from a chest cavity, the device comprising:

• an air escapement conduit having an inlet port providing air communication with the chest cavity and an outlet port providing air communication with a vacuum source, the conduit allowing an air flow from the inlet port to the outlet port in response to a pressure differential between the ports;
• and
• an air pressure detector responsive to air pressures at the inlet and outlet ports, and that provides a signal having features related to the air pressures.

A device providing a signal for indicating information related to air evacuation from a chest cavity, the device comprising:

• a bubble chamber having an inlet port providing air communication with the chest cavity, an outlet port providing air communication with a vacuum source, and a fluid, the bubble chamber arranged so that an air flow between the inlet port and the outlet port flows through the fluid and forms bubbles;
• and
• a detector responsive to the air flow that provides a signal related to the air flow.

A device providing a signal for indicating information related to air evacuation from a chest cavity, the device comprising:

• a valving mechanism having an inlet port providing air communication with the chest cavity and an outlet port providing air communication with a vacuum source, the valving mechanism allowing an air flow from the inlet port to the outlet port in response to a pressure differential between the ports;
• and
• a detector responsive to the air flow that provides a signal related to the air flow.

A method of providing a signal indicating information related to air evacuation from a chest cavity, the method comprising the steps of:

• inserting an air escapement conduit into an air evacuation pathway between the chest cavity and a vacuum source, the air escapement conduit allowing an air flow in response to a pressure differential between the ports;
• and
• generating a signal related to the air flow.

A device providing a signal for indicating information related to air evacuation from a chest cavity, the device comprising:

• means for allowing an air flow in an air escapement pathway between the chest cavity and a vacuum source;
• and
• means for generating a signal related to the air flow.