Article 2: Repairing the Pneumo Chest Tube

The following tools and supplies are needed.

1. Bottle of “DURA BOND” general purpose glue (Found at most hardware stores)

2. 8 inch hooked insertion tool fashioned from a piece of coat hanger or similar ridged wire.

3. Small standard flat head screwdriver.

4. Rubber bands #32 sold in most office supply stores.

5. Small metal punch.

6. Hammer.    (Not Shown)

7. Convoluted Tube

Note: The following items can be purchased together (except hammer) by requesting a Pneumo Chest Tube Repair Kit Model 76513RK from Lafayette Instruments. Call 1-800-428-7545 for current price and availability.

Using the diagrams, follow the steps below to repair the Pneumo chest tube.

• Break the glue seal on both ends of the corrugated tube by running a small screwdriver around under the edge.
  See (Diagram 1)

• Hold the corrugated tube and twist one end at a time to separate it.
• Knock out the 1/16″ metal pin on both ends which retains the rubber bands.
  See (Diagram 2)

• Place one end of the new rubber band inside the end piece and drive the pin back Into place.
  See (Diagram 3)

• Now using the 8-inch hooked tool, insert it through the corrugated tube, hook the rubber band and pull it all the way through.
  See (Diagram 4)

• Grasp the end of the rubber band and detach the tool.

• Insert the free end of the band into the end piece and drive the 1/16 Inch pin into place to secure it in place.

• Open the bottle of glue, apply generously to one end piece at a time, and slip the cuff of the corrugated tube on as far as possible.
  See (Diagram 5)

• Twist one end piece to orient the flat plates so they are parallel with each other.

• Let dry for 15 minutes.