J Korean Radiol Soc.  1990 Feb;26(1):91-97. 10.3348/jkrs.1990.26.1.91.

Management of pneumothorax using small lumen catheter

• Shim HJ
• Park YW
• Kim KS

• KMID: 2358978
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1990.26.1.91

Abstract

Traditionally, symptomatic or large pneumothorax has been treated with a large-bore(22-32F) chest tube andhospitalization. But pain and other significant complications may occur because of its large size and blindapproach. Recently, with small lumen catheter(6-10F), drainage of pleural effusion of empyema and decompression ofpneumothorax resulting from percutaneous lung biopsy have been attempted. The authors used 8F catheter withsuction apparatus to decompress 7 pneumothoraxes (6 spontaneous pneumothoraxes and 1 iatrogenic hemopneumothorax)under fluoroscopic guidance and the results were successful in all cases. It offers several advantages overtraditional closed thoracotomy as follows: 1) Easier ot insert and expeditious, 2) Fewer complications, 3) Lesstraumatic, 4) Less discomfort to the patients, 5) No scar formation in chest wall, 6) In case of pneumothoraxduring transthoracic needle biopsy, it provides immediate decompression and allows the lung biopsy to becontinued, and 7) In case of connection with Heimlich valve, it can be managed on outpatient basis that lead todecreased hospital coasts. We believe that small lumen catheter thoracostomy may become 1st choice of treatmentmodality in pneumothorax as safe and effective method.

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Biopsy, Needle
Catheters*
Chest Tubes
Cicatrix
Decompression
Drainage
Empyema
Humans
Lung
Methods
Outpatients
Pleural Effusion
Pneumothorax*
Thoracic Wall
Thoracostomy
Thoracotomy