Flutter valve
Flutter valve
Flutter valve (pronounced: /ˈflʌtər vælv/), also known as a Heimlich valve or one-way valve, is a medical device used primarily in the treatment of pneumothorax and pleural effusion.
Etymology
The term "flutter valve" is derived from the fluttering motion of the device's internal components, which allow air or fluid to flow in one direction only. The term "valve" comes from the Latin valva, meaning "leaf of a door", which is a reference to the device's function as a gatekeeper of airflow.
Function
The flutter valve is a one-way valve that allows air to flow out of the chest cavity, but not back in. This is crucial in the treatment of conditions such as pneumothorax, where air trapped in the chest cavity can cause the lung to collapse. By allowing this air to escape, the flutter valve helps to re-expand the lung.
Related Terms
- Pneumothorax: A medical condition in which air or gas is present in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.
- Pleural effusion: A buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and the chest cavity.
- Heimlich valve: Another name for the flutter valve, named after Dr. Henry Heimlich, who is also known for the Heimlich maneuver.
- One-way valve: A type of valve that allows fluid or air to flow in only one direction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flutter valve
- Wikipedia's article - Flutter valve
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