Russel chest seal | Prometheus medical

Russell Chest Seal® (RCS) is a hydrogel-based dressing with an integrated low-profile valve. Its purpose is to cover penetrating chest wounds so that air can escape from the pleural cavity without being retracted. The aim is to minimize lung collapse associated with this injury and to facilitate lung inflation.

The base material in Russell Chest Seal® is the same hydrogel material used in our Nightingale ™ dressing which provides an excellent airtight and secure seal. It has been thoroughly tested and proven on military operations and adheres effectively to sweaty and hairy skin. It will remain attached for many hours and is comfortable for the patient during prolonged use.

Another component that makes the RCS unique is its valve mechanism. It is made of a thin but tough material that makes it very compatible. This allows it to open and close with very small pressure changes. The valve is quite transparent so that the dressing can be placed exactly over the wound. A large base opening provides some latitude for misplacement in high-load environments. Four peripheral openings are large enough (36Fr) to allow blood to escape when needed without blocking the valve. The four openings provide essential redundancy: if up to three of the four holes are blocked, the valve will still be fully functional.

The Russell Chest Seal® has a unique low profile and flexibility. It is supplied in a pre-folded form for easy storage in medical packaging. In low light, the valve can be "felt" working, making it ideal for military operations.

The Russell Chest Seal®, which received Prometheus Medical's first Queen's Award for Business: Innovation in 2015, is one of the largest chest seals currently on the market.