Use of endoscopic trocar-cannula for chest drain insertion in trauma patients and others

Tube Thoracostomy: A Structured Review of Case Reports and a Standardized Format for Reporting Complications

INTRODUCTION

Although seemingly straightforward, tube thoracostomy (TT) has been associated with complication rates as high as 30 %. A lack of a standardized nomenclature for reporting TT complications makes comparison and evaluation of reports impossible. We aim to develop a classification method in order to standardize the reporting of complications of TT and identify all reported complications of TT and time course in which they occurred to validate the reporting method.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews from each databases inception through November 5, 2013 was conducted. Original articles written in the English language reporting TT complications were searched. This review adhered to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) standards. Duplicate reviewers abstracted case reports for inclusion. Cases were then sorted into one of the five complication categories by two reviewers, and in case of disagreements, settled by a third reviewer.

RESULTS

Of 751 papers reporting TT complications, 124 case reports were included for analysis. From these reports, five main categories of TT complications were identified: insertional (n = 65); positional (n = 36); removal (n = 11); infective and immunologic (n = 7); and instructional, educational, or equipment related (n = 5). Placement of TT has occurred in nearly every soft tissue and vascular structure in the thoracic cavity and intra-abdominal organs.

CONCLUSION

Our classification method provides further clarity and systematic standardization for reporting TT complications.

A technique for visual confirmation of intrathoracic placement of tube thoracostomy using a fiberoptic laryngoscope in a cadaver

PURPOSE

Safe intrathoracic placement of chest tubes is a continual challenge. Current techniques for determining the intrathoracic location of the thoracostomy site include blunt dissection and digital exploration, with subsequent tube placement. Using current techniques, complication rates for this procedure approach 30%. We present a novel technique using available endotracheal intubation technology for determining intrathoracic placement of tube thoracostomy.

METHODS

One cadaver was used for placement of tube thoracostomy. Both sides of the thorax were prepared in the standard fashion for tube thoracostomy placement, and tube thoracostomy was performed on each hemithorax at interspaces 3 through 7. The right side of the thorax was used for standard thoracostomy placement, and the left side was used for fiberoptic visualization of thoracostomy placement using a video laryngoscope. Thoracic wall thickness was measured at all thoracostomy sites. Proper placement and any injuries were documented for each site.

RESULTS

Chest wall thickness ranged from 2.4 to 3.8 cm on the right and 2.8 to 4.0 cm on the left. With use of fiberoptic thoracostomy, no injuries were generated. During the standard thoracostomy placement in the sixth intercostal space, a pulmonary laceration was caused using blunt dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a fiberoptic laryngoscope offers a novel technique for direct visualization the thoracic space during tube thoracostomy. Further studies are needed to determine the safety of this technique in patients.

Results of thoracic drainages placed in air rescue

INTRODUCTION

horax injuries are to be found in approximately 78% amongst all accident victims. Moreover, they implicate an increase in mortality rate. Consequently, an adequate contemporary treatment has to begin preclinically, even if the conditions are less comfortable than in a clinical setting. Emergency doctors need to be familiar with the placement of chest tubes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010, emergency doctors of the rescue helicopter site Christoph 20 had to place chest tubes directly at the scene of an accident in 49 patients. These patients were now reidentified, and their clinical course was reevaluated. By means of apparative diagnostics, it was possible to analyze the location of the tubes tip. Following a comparison of the patient, outcome versus the quality of preclinical thoracic discharge could be made.

RESULTS

The preclinical placement of a chest tube became necessary mainly because of a blunt thoracic trauma. This was predominantly related to victims of traffic accidents, whereas male victims clearly dominated. Forty-two of those patients received further treatment at the Klinikum Bayreuth hospital, enabling an analysis of the tubes location by CAT (computed axial tomography) scan. Six patients had been discharged on both sides, contributing to 48 tube tips that could be examined concerning their location. Of the 48 chest tubes, 46 had been placed from a lateral approach. The ventral access by Monaldi had only been chosen in two cases. Altogether, nine incorrect placements, mainly within the right interlobe gap, had been detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The study collective showed a significant preference to the lateral approach when placing a chest tube at the emergency scene of an accident. In total, a prevalence of 19% incorrect placements could be revealed, meaning the chest tube had either been placed within the lung parenchyma, the interlobe gap, or extrathoracically. Concerning the patient outcome, no statistically significant difference regarding the clinical course after incorrect chest tube placement could be identified.

Minimally invasive technique for insertion of ventriculopleural shunt catheters

OBJECT

Cerebrospinal fluid diversion to the pleural space has employed various methods to insert the distal catheter into the pleural space. The authors report on a minimally invasive method of pleural catheter insertion that they have developed and have used safely in a small series of patients.

METHODS

Pleural shunt catheters were inserted using a split trochar into the pleural space (technique described in further detail in the article). All cases over the previous 10 years in which this technique was employed were reviewed from the existing electronic medical records. Patient age at insertion, sex, reason for hydrocephalus, early and late complications, valve type, and follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

Fourteen shunt procedures performed in 10 patients were identified. Two small pneumothoraces were detected on routine postoperative imaging and required no intervention. There were 3 late mechanical complications, including migration of a catheter out of the pleural space, catheter fracture at the insertion point, and the need for a longer catheter due to the patient's growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe a safe, minimally invasive method for insertion of pleural shunt catheters along with a series of patients who have undergone placement of a pleural shunt catheter using this method without complication directly attributable to the use of this technique.

Blunt chest trauma: review of selected pulmonary injuries focusing on pulmonary contusion

Pulmonary injuries resulting from blunt chest trauma remain a common clinical entity for critical care and emergency nurses. In this article, the epidemiology and mechanism of injury most often observed in patients with blunt chest trauma are reviewed. Selected pulmonary injuries are discussed in terms of mechanism of injuries, assessment and diagnostic modalities, standard therapies, and cutting-edge therapies used today with a focus on pulmonary contusion. Many advances and experimental therapies currently used in the management of the patient with severe lung injuries are discussed. A case study is presented highlighting a complicated case of a blunt chest injury resulting in severe pulmonary contusion.

Modified Seldinger technique for the insertion of standard chest tubes

Closed tube thoracostomy is a standard procedure for the evacuation of air, blood, or other materials from the pleural space. This paper describes a modification of the Seldinger technique that facilitates chest tube insertion. Either a Nelaton or Thieman catheter is threaded into the side drainage hole and out the tip of a standard Argyle-type chest tube. After using the clamp to insert the catheter into the pleural space through a previously dissected tract, the catheter serves as a guide over which the chest tube is inserted. The technique is simple to use, effective, and safe. It employs standard, inexpensive materials to insert chest tubes in such a way as to minimize the potential traumatic complications inherent in other techniques.