AATS 2026 Symposium: Session 3 of 3 with Johannes Petersen

This e-learning module is based on the third presentation from the Medela-sponsored AATS 2026 Symposium, Advances in Air Leak Management and Drainage Systems in Pulmonary, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery.

In this session, Johannes Petersen, MD (University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany) examines the clinical and economic impact of chest drainage management within modern cardiac and thoracic surgery pathways. Learners will explore the evidence supporting digital drainage systems and their role in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes, including their potential to reduce drainage-related complications, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to shorter ICU and hospital stays. The session also reviews health-economic data comparing analog and digital drainage systems, highlighting how investments in digital technology may be offset by improvements in patient outcomes, workflow efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Key learning topics:

• The clinical impact of chest drainage management in cardiac and thoracic surgery
• The role of digital drainage systems in supporting ERAS principles
• Strategies to reduce drainage-related complications and optimize resource utilization
• Health-economic considerations when comparing analog and digital drainage systems
• The relationship between clinical outcomes, workflow efficiency, and cost-effectiveness

Continue the symposium series:

• Session 1: Clinical Applications of Endobronchial Valves and Digital Air Leak Measurement in Pulmonary Care with Kai E. Swenson
• Session 2: Emerging Trends and Clinical Outlook in Drainage and Air Leak Monitoring with Sébastien Gilbert