The authors review the purpose, radiographic appearance, and possible complications of various tubes, catheters, and wires seen on chest radiographs after cardiac surgery. Drainage tubes, temporary epicardial wire electrodes, surgical clips, intraaortic counterpulsation balloon, atrial pressure monitor catheters, and sternal wires are reviewed. Because recent articles have discussed the Swan-Ganz catheter and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator, these are not covered in depth.