Preferred Features for Chest Seals  

CoTCCC

28 October 2013

	The CoTCCC has not recommended a particular chest seal to treat open pneumothoraces (sucking chest wounds) in the tactical setting, but has defined a set of preferred features for chest seals. The current list is as follows:

- FDA approved
- Sterile
- Device adheres despite the presence of blood, sweat, hair, and sand
- Adheres despite storage as defined in Military Standard 8.10G
- Minimum incidence of allergic reactions to adhesive
- Self-adherent
- Oval shape
- 6-8 inches or larger in size
- Creates an occlusive seal
- Vented
- Reseals well after venting
- Puncture-resistant packaging
- Long shelf life
- Minimized weight and cube
- Integrity and function maintained when stored or carried in folded
  configuration
- Lightweight and ruggedized
- Inexpensive
- Good clinical outcomes after review of battlefield use data when available
- Easily applied in battlefield situations
- Has tabs to facilitate removal of adhesive
- High rate of user acceptance
- Configured for ease of use in low-light environments
- Packaged two per package