Tension pneumothorax
Chest Trauma Pneumothorax - Tension
, February 09, 2004
Tension pneumothorax
Tension pneumothorax is the progressive build-up of air within the pleural space, usually due to a lung laceration which allows air to escape into the pleural space but not to return. Positive pressure ventilation may exacerbate this ‘one-way-valve’ effect. Progressive build-up of pressure in the pleural space pushes the mediastinum to the opposite hemithorax, and obstructs venous return to the heart. This leads to circulatory instability and may result in traumatic arrest.
Chest drain insertion
Intercostal Chest Drains
, March 09, 2004
Chest Trauma
Intercostal Chest Drains
Drainage of the pleural space by means of a chest tube is the commonest intervention in thoracic trauma, and provides definitive treatment in the majority of cases. While a relatively simple procedure, it carries a significant complication rate, reported as between 2% and 10%. While many of these complications are relatively minor, some require operative intervention and deaths still occur.
Tension Pneumothorax
The diagnosis and management of tension pneumothorax.
, July 01, 2006
Diagnosis and management of tension pneumothorax.
