After coronary artery bypass surgery tubes are usually
inserted to remove excess fluid and or blood that can build
up around the heart. These tubes are usually removed
within 48 hours after surgery unless otherwise indicated.
There are typically two to four tubes inserted.
After the chest tubes are removed
another chest x-ray is performed to
ensure no air has
entered the chest cavity during removal.
If significant air
enters the chest cavity a new chest tube
may need to be
placed and kept in place for several days
to drain the air.
This is the most common complication
associated with
removing a chest tube.
Aortic Valve
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