FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions by Patients, Caregivers, Nurses, Doctors, and Hospitals.
Download a printable PDF version of the FAQs.
Where is the Tube-Evac device made?
The Tube-Evac device is made only in the USA under strict guidelines. Employing factories and workers in the USA is important to us. The Tube-Evac device does not carry the risks associated with importing such as dock strikes that could delay deliveries for months.
How difficult is it to use the Tube-Evac device?
The Tube-Evac device is so easy to use even a child can use it – and has. We have video showing a child using it. Put the tube in the groove, roll it down, and you are done!
How about a person that has difficulties with their hands such as a patient with arthritis?
The Tube-Evac device makes it much easier for a person with arthritis because it is very simple to squeeze the Tube-Evac device closed around the drain. It does not take much dexterity or pressure like it does when milking a drain with your fingers. There are no clips or fasteners. The back pressure in the hinge will open it when the pressure is taken off the Tube-Evac device. Just hold the Tube-Evac device together around the drain and roll it down. You are done.
Can the Tube-Evac device be reused?
The Tube-Evac device is designed for single patient use. Once the drains are removed the Tube- Evac device is to be discarded.
Why was the Tube-Evac device invented?
The Tube-Evac device was invented when the inventor’s wife had surgery with drains. The inventor was very intimidated and worried that he was not milking the drains properly. There needed to be a more standardized process.
Is the Tube-Evac device patented?
Yes it has various patents in America, Canada, Israel and there are patents pending in several foreign countries.
Is the Tube-Evac device FDA approved?
The Tube-Evac device is registered with the FDA and is assembled and packaged in an FDA approved clean room.
Can I use the Tube-Evac device if there is blood on the surgical drain?
You should never use the Tube-Evac device on a surgical drain that has blood, fluid, or drainage on or around the surgical site because you run the risk of contamination. If any of these fluids are present check with your health care provider to make sure the tubing is ready for milking.
How do I clean the Tube-Evac device?
Just wash in soapy water and rinse then let air dry.
How do I contact Tube-Evac for questions or ordering?
Order – call Todd Endersby at 210-543-1300 or sales@alamoscientific.com.
Questions – See the Tube-Evac website at www.tubeevac.com or email questions to
info@tubeevac.com. The inventor reads the info@tubeevac.com emails.
Our hospital system is concerned that a patient will go through many Tube-Evac devices because the patient could lose it or it may accidentally gets tossed in the trash. We are therefore concerned the Tube-Evac device will cost us 2-3 times the expected cost.
As with any patient care product, the Tube-Evac device should be kept with the patient’s property to be available when needed. One hospital system has been using the Tube-Evac device since 2010. When this hospital was asked if they had ever given a second Tube-Evac device to a patient, the inventor was told they did not know of it ever happening. Nurses come in and check to make sure the patient is using the Tube-Evac device on a regular basis. Patients know how important the Tube-Evac device is to them. Therefore the patient will make sure they have it when they go home to clear their drains there, where they have no nurses to help them.
When is the Tube-Evac device given to the patient?
The Tube-Evac device is normally given to the patient when post operative care is explained to the patient. The patient and caregiver are told how to use the Tube-Evac device as soon as possible when the patient is cognizant after surgery. One hospital that has been using the Tube- Evac device since 2010 keeps the Tube-Evac device in the top drawer of each recovery room. When a patient comes out with surgical drains they are given either a Pink Tube-Evac device – which is for 15-19F or a Teal Tube-Evac device – which is for 7-10F surgical drains. The patient is told how to use the Tube-Evac device if the patient is cognizant. If there is a care giver in their room that person is also told how to use it. The nurse checks the drains to make sure they are milked and if not the patient is taught again how to use the Tube-Evac device and the nurse watches while the drains are milked by the patient. After that the goal is for the nurse to come in to the patients room, check the drain, and leave.
Is it true that nurses do not have to milk surgical drains any more?
In some hospitals, nurses normally no longer clear surgical drains because the patient or the caregiver does it. Nurses simply check to see if the drains are being cleared and the drain is not clogged. In some instances the nurses will clear the drains with the Tube-Evac device. However the patient very much appreciates knowing how to clear their own surgical drains when they go home and have a lot less anxiety because they know how to clear their drains.
Has the Tube-Evac device helped the hospital staff?
One floor manager nurse saw the inventor when his wife Linda was in the hospital. She asked him to sign a Tube-Evac device and handed him a felt marker to sign it. When asked why the inventor should sign it she replied –“You have no idea how much better my life is” Her nurses rarely strip drains and they have more time for doing more important tasks.
How many patients have you heard from positive or negative about the Tube-Evac device?
We have heard from several patients that have used the Tube-Evac device. Everything we hear is positive. We have had patients offer to write testimonials, videos, or tell their doctors how important it is. We have never heard one negative word about it from anyone – nurse, doctor, or patient. We have been told by various caregivers and patients that if a doctor really has their patient’s best in mind they should get the patient a Tube-Evac device. Another comment was “It is the price of a Starbucks coffee.” (I cannot confirm this because I do not drink coffee)
Any other items related to the Tube-Evac device?
We have been told of various incidents where the patient’s clot in the drain was so bad the nurses could not get the clot out. In two instances, two different hospitals were testing the Tube-Evac device and after several minutes of trying to clear the drain one of the nurses went to get a Tube- Evac device. In both instances the nurse rolled the Tube-Evac device down surgical drain clearing all clots quickly and efficiently.
We know of one incident where things did not fare so well. A patient had drains with clots and the nurses could not get the clots out. The patient was finally taken to OR where another drain was inserted because the drain was too clogged to clear. This hospital did not have a Tube-Evac device.