Left Tube Thoracostomy for Pneumothorax
Ryan Boyle1; Elliot Bishop, MD2; Peter Bendix, MD2
1 Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University
2University of Chicago Medicine
The clinical presentation of pneumothorax ranges from no symptoms to life-threatening tension physiology requiring emergent intervention. The thoracic cavity is lined with parietal while the lungs and mediastinal structures are lined with visceral pleura. Normally in apposition, a potential space exists between these two layers where fluid, air, or a combination of the two may accumulate. If this potential space fills with fluid or air, subsequent collapse of the lung tissue causes symptoms such as shortness of breath and tachypnea. If the fluid or air accumulate to the degree that venous cardiac return is impeded, tension physiology ensues with hypotension, tachycardia, and eventual cardiovascular collapse if the pressure is not relieved. Tube thoracostomy remains the treatment of choice for managing pneumothorax. This article presents the management of a traumatic pneumothorax with tube thoracostomy in a 51-year-old male injured in a motor vehicle collision.