II. Indications
- Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
- May be used in Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (but lower efficacy)
III. Contraindications
- Hemodynamically Unstable Patient
- Large Pneumothorax
- Chest Tube otherwise indicated
IV. Technique
- Similar technique as with Small Calibre Chest Tube (Heimlich Valve, Pigtail Chest Catheter)
- Insert 16 to 18 gauge catheter with 3-way stop cock into the second intercostal space mid-clavicular line
- Remove catheter after full evacuation of air
V. Protocol: Following procedure
VI. Efficacy
- Effective in 58% to 80% of cases
- No increased recurrence rate at one year
- Decreased admission rates, shortened length of hospital stays and faster return to work
VII. References
- Tranchell (2013) Crit Dec Emerg Med 27(7): 11-8
- Zehtabchi (2008) Ann Emerg Med 51(1): 91-100 [PubMed]