Lindsey Morris
When it comes to surgery recovery, quick and smooth is how almost every patient wants it to go. No one wants to spend additional time in a hospital bed, but as we know, not every surgery can allow patients to walk out of the hospital the same day.
Chest tube management is a critical component of postoperative care in cardiothoracic surgery, specifically for patients who undergo lobectomies, thoracotomies, or other major chest procedures to treat lung cancer. Traditional drainage systems and unresolved air leaks lead to restricted mobility, prolonged hospitalization, increased costs, along with limited bed availability for the hospital.
“With the analog system for air leaks there are a lot of discrepancies in the readings,” said Daniel Miller, MD, Director of Thoracic Surgery and the Lung Cancer Screening Program at the Georgia Cancer Center and Wellstar MCG Health. “The ATMOS C 051 Cardiothoracic Digital Drain and Observation System addresses these reading discrepancies by providing objective digital data on the air leaks.”
In addition to clearer results, the device allows patients to go home and monitor the leaks if they cannot have the chest tubes removed due to higher numbers after surgery. The patient and their care team at home can monitor the device and see what is going on, and when the number is down to zero, they can return to the hospital to have the tube taken out. The analog system had to be hooked up to a suction device in the wall, so patients would have to call for a nurse to disconnect them if they wanted to move around.
“There is nothing better than being in your own bed or your recliner when you’re recovering. No one is constantly waking you up to check your vitals so you can properly rest, and you have the freedom to move around. You can go outside for a walk; you can spend time with your friends and family.”
Usage of the ATMOS system will reduce health complications caused by prolonged hospitalization, such as risk of infection and higher levels of stress, but it will also reduce the workload of healthcare providers so that they can shift all focus to patients in more critical condition and allow them to have more beds available for patients in need.
The device is reusable, and will last for about eight to 10 years, serving many patients.
Miller and his team prioritize Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols and are always working on ways to improve the care they provide patients, whether that be education for both patients and staff, or upgrading equipment to further decrease recovery time needed.
“We have the ATMOS 201, and it has shown significant results with patients, and we wanted to take the next step when the FDA cleared the 501, however; we didn’t have the funds to do so.”
Andrea Putzier, AVP of Perioperative Services at Wellstar MCG Health, suggested to Miller that they turn to Unite in the Fight Against Cancer for funding.
Unite is an annual free community celebration honoring all who have been affected by cancer while raising funds for patient-centered programs. Unite 2025 funded nine programs to improve the lives of our patients and staff here in our community, including Miller and Putzier’s program.
“This really makes a difference in our patients. They love it, and so do I.”
If you would like to learn more about this program, follow us on Facebook to be kept up to date on it and the other programs funded by Unite in the Fight Against Cancer. Unite in the Fight Against Cancer will be held on May 2, 2026, and we encourage you to join us at this free and fun event. They will be a kids zone, live DJ, special guests, and our patient VIP room. You can find more information by visiting our website and Facebook event page. We encourage all to join us in support of all who fight against cancer every day.
