Air leak detection system for chest fluid collection bottles and blow-out prevention baffle

A non-water seal thoracic drainage system comprising:

• a collection bottle with an intake opening connectable to receive fluid from a patient's pleural cavity and an air outlet downstream of said intake opening connectable to a source of negative pressure
• means defining a fluid collection chamber with an air space thereabove, said air space being disposed along the flow path between said intake opening and air outlet,
• one-way waterless valve means interposed along the flow path defined from the chamber toward the outlet, said waterless valve means being operative to admit air in a direction from the chamber while preventing reverse flow,
• said one-way waterless valve means being operative to prevent said reverse flow unaided by underwater seals and comprising the sole means therefor,
• a transparent U-tube interposed along the flow path between said air outlet and air space, said transparent U-tube, when filled with fluid, being adapted to provide a visual indication of an upstream air leak in the form of bubbles migrating through the fluid contained therein.