TissueDB/Materials/Penrose Drain
The Penrose drain is a soft, flexible rubber tube commonly used in surgical simulation to represent passive drainage pathways, tubular soft tissue structures, or compliant conduits. Its smooth surface, uniform diameter, and gentle elasticity make it suitable for modeling drains, ducts, or simplified vascular and luminal anatomy where flexibility and positioning are emphasized. In simulation, Penrose drains are most effective for teaching placement, routing, fixation, and spatial relationships rather than cutting or suturing realism.
Tissues
| Tissue | Visual | Tactile | Simulator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fallopian tube | Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy Simulator | 6–8 cm segment; split ends create fimbriae. Latex provides realistic friability for handling. | ||
| External iliac artery and External iliac vein | Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Simulator (Kurashima) | Latex Penrose drains (Sherwood Medical Company, St Louis, MO, USA) chosen for appropriate size and relative suppleness; arranged in correct anatomical configuration on the reusable inguinal anatomy and colour-tinted for source-described realism. Source: Kurashima Y et al. 2011, Surg Innov 18(2):171–175. DOI 10.1177/1553350610395949. PMID 21307013. |
Troubleshooting
- Fine suturing practice — Rubber surface does not approximate tissue cutting feel or suture holding. Clinical consequence: Incorrect force calibration.
- Vessel anastomosis training — Wall thickness and compliance differ significantly from vascular tissue. Clinical consequence: Incorrect needle angle and tension expectations. Use silicone tubing for vascular simulation.
- Cutting procedures — Penrose drains cut cleanly without tissue-like resistance. Clinical consequence: Trainees don't develop appropriate tactile feedback for dissection.
References
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Overview
[edit source]Synonyms
[edit source]Common names: Penrose drain, Penrose tube, flat latex drain, surgical drain, latex strip drain
Forms: Penrose tube, flat latex strip, rolled latex drain, drain with gauze wrapping, plain Penrose drain, gauze-wrapped drain, various widths (1/4", 1/2", 1", 2")
Trade/commercial names: Penrose tube drain, latex strip drain
Clinical terms: Sterile Penrose drain, medical-grade Penrose drain, latex Penrose drain, latex-free Penrose drain, sterilized drain
Regional terms: Drain Penrose (French), Drenaggio Penrose (Italian), Drenaje Penrose (Spanish), Penrose-Drainage (German)
Clinical Context for Simulation
[edit source]Processing & Preparation
[edit source]Safety Considerations
[edit source]Related Materials
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| Authors | Arturopelayo, Ian-laurel |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo, Ian-laurel (2025–2026). "TissueDB/Materials/Penrose Drain". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026. |