Tube Thoracostomy

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

• Indications:
  • Pneumothorax: >3 cm from apex of lung on CXR, more than halfway down the chest wall, or >25% of the volume of the pleural space
    • Can be indicated for a smaller pneumothorax if patient is in respiratory distress or on a mechanical ventilator
  • Large pleural effusions in the setting of respiratory distress or mechanical ventilation
  • Hemothorax
  • Chest trauma, tympani and decreased breath sounds
  • Empyema