Hazards of tube thoracostomy in patients on a ventilator.

Abstract

A patient with post-pneumonia empyema complicated by type-2 respiratory failure required mechanical ventilation as part of his therapy. A pneumothorax was noted on his chest radiograph. This was treated with an intercostal chest drain (ICD). Unfortunately, he was still hypoxic, his subcutaneous emphysema was worsening and the ICD was bubbling. A computed tomography (CT) scan of chest demonstrated that the ICD has penetrated the right upper lobe parenchyma. A new ICD was inserted and the previous one was removed. Although both hypoxia and subcutaneous emphysema improved, the patient chronically remained on mechanical ventilation.

• Authors: Kasra Shaikhrezai, Vipin Zamvar
• Journal: Journal of cardiothoracic surgery (J Cardiothorac Surg) Vol. 6 Pg. 39 (Mar 29 2011) ISSN: 1749-8090 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21447174 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Chest Tubes (adverse effects)
• Drainage (methods)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Iatrogenic Disease
• Lung Injury (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Positive-Pressure Respiration (methods)
• Respiratory Insufficiency (therapy)
• Rupture
• Subcutaneous Emphysema (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Thoracostomy (adverse effects, instrumentation)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed