Provided herein are medical drainage systems comprising structures to prevent blockages within drainage tubing, especially medical drainage tubing, for example caused by debris or airlocks. The novel systems of the invention employ, in some embodiments, elements of the Archimedian screw. The Archimedian screw elements comprise a rotating conveyer present in the tubing which promotes continuous flow of material through the tubing and prevents the formation of dependent loops and other blockages. The systems of the invention may be employed in diverse contexts, including urinary catheter drainage systems and thoracostamy systems. The systems of the invention, being gravity independent, may also be employed for the drainage or a movement of materials in space and other low gravity environments.