Smart chest tube may speed recovery for kids with lung air leaks

This study tests whether a digital chest tube system (Thopaz+) works better than the standard analog system for children who need a chest tube after lung surgery or a collapsed lung. The digital system measures air leaks precisely and keeps steady suction, which may shorten how long the tube stays in, reduce the number of chest X-rays, and speed up recovery. About 140 children aged 17 or younger will be randomly assigned to one of the two systems.