Chest tube placement

Abstract

Chest tube placement is a common and often urgent/vital procedure. The purpose of a thoracostomy tube is to restore physiologic intrapleural pressure and to fully expand the lung. The most frequent indications for chest tube placement are pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pleural empyema, hemothorax and post-operative (thoracic surgery). The most appropriate site for chest tube placement is the fourth or fifth intercostal space in the mid- or anterior axillary line. Competence in the technique is essential for placing a chest tube and to avoid procedure-related complications. Applying the step-by-step technique presented, placement of a chest tube is a safe procedure. Complications ȓ frequently occurring when the chest tube is inserted with a steel trocar ȓ include hemothorax, dislocation, lung lacerations and injury to intrathoracic or intra-abdominal organs.