Chest tube

Abstract

1) A chest tube or tube thoracostomy is used to drain air, blood, or fluid in the thoracic cavity between the visceral pleura of the lung and the parietal pleura of the chest wall. 2) In emergent conditions, such as tension pneumothorax, clinical signs of lung collapse are enough indication to place a needle decompression of the tension pneumothorax followed by a chest tube. 3) While placing a chest tube, care must be taken to follow the anatomic landmarks of the chest to avoid injuring thoracic or abdominal organs.