Heimlich Valve Home Care

Patient Instructions

A Heimlich valve is a one-way valve that allows air to flow out of your chest through a chest tube when you breathe out (exhale), but prevents air from entering your chest when you breathe in.

You and your family must follow these instructions for the proper care of the chest tube and the Heimlich valve:

1. Never clamp the chest tube unless told to do so by your doctor.
2. Never obstruct the end of the valve; air needs to flow out. If there is drainage, a gauze pad can be placed at the end to catch the drainage but allow air to escape.
3. Keep the connection between the chest tube and Heimlich valve securely taped.
4. If the valve becomes detached from the chest tube, reattach it and call us at 631-444-2981 immediately.
5. If the chest tube accidentally falls out, cover the drain site in your chest with a sterile gauze pad and call us at 631-444-2981 immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room.
6. If the suture that holds the chest tube breaks, secure the tube with tape to the skin, and call us.
7. Patients may shower while the chest tube and valve are in place. Coordinate with your visiting nurse. The dressing around the chest tube should be changed daily.
8. Fluttering of the valve leaflet and/or honking like a duck-like noise is normal.
9. If you experience any of the following, call 631-444-2981:
         •  Shortness of breath or chest pain
         •  Fever over 101 degrees
         •  Swelling of the neck or arm
         •  Any foul-smelling or cloudy drainage
10. You will be asked to return to clinic weekly to be evaluated by your surgeon or nurse practitioner to see when the chest tube is ready to be removed.