Template:Needle aspiration of pneumothorax

Use thoracentesis or "pig-tail" kit, if available
Place in 2nd IC space in midclavicular line or 4th/5th IC space in anterior axillary line
Withdraw air with syringe until no more can be aspirated
- Assume a persistent air leak (failure) if no resistance after 4 liters of air has been aspirated AND the lung has not expanded
Once no further air can be aspirated:
- Option 1
  - Place closed stopcock and secure catheter to the chest wall
  - Obtain CXR four hours later
  - If adequate lung expansion has occurred, remove catheter
  - Following another two hours of observation, obtain another CXR
  - If the lung remains expanded, may discharge patient
- Option 2
  - Leave catheter in place
  - Attached a Heimlich (one-way) valve
  - May discharge with follow-up within two days
If 2.5 L of air has been aspirated, and a significant PTX remains, tube thoracostomy is indicated
NEJM video on needle aspiration of pneumothorax.