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Indications
- Suspected tension pneumothorax needing immediate decompression
- Blunt chest trauma, shortness of breath, asymmetric lung sounds, deviated trachea, crepitance, hypotension
- Hemodynamically unstable
Equipment Needed
- 14 to 16 gauge IV needle/catheter
- 5 or 10mL syringe
Procedure
- Insert 14 to 16 gauge IV needle catheter attached to syringe along superior margin of 2nd or 3rd rib in midclavicular line
- Advance needle until air is aspirated to syringe
- Withdraw needle
- Leave angiocatheter open to air
- Immediate rush of air out of chest = tension pneumothorax
- Follow immediately with standard thoracostomy tube
Complications
See Also
External Links
References
- Roberts, 179
- Wolfson, 82, 129
