Successful coronary sinus left ventricular lead extraction 9 years postimplantation using the wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice (wire TRUST) technique.

The newly-proposed tandem approach, Wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice (Wire TRUST) is effective for grasping a lead with inaccessible ends. This case report shows that Wire TRUST can also enable successful extraction of a left ventricular lead by iteratively grasping and repositioning to the distal portion of the lead.

Iatrogenically Acquired Mycobacterium abscessus Infection in an Indwelling Intercostal Drainage In Situ in a Patient With Alcoholic Liver Disease and Bilateral Hepatic Hydrothorax: A Report of a Rare Case.

A 47-year-old male, a known case of alcoholic chronic liver disease with portal hypertension, presented with complaints of abdominal distension and shortness of breath. A provisional diagnosis of ethanol-related compensated chronic liver disease (CLD) with portal hypertension and splenomegaly, gross ascites with bilateral hepatic hydrothorax was made. The left-sided pleural effusion subsided after three pleural taps, but the right-sided effusion kept refilling even after four to five days of repeated therapeutic taps, so a pigtail catheter was left in situ. The pleural fluid was sent for culture which did not grow any pathogenic organisms. Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification tests where Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) was not detected, Ziehl-Neelsen staining was done in which acid-fast bacilli were not seen, and cytology was done where no malignant cells were seen. The patient was discharged with the pigtail in situ on the right side and, after 20 days, the patient again presented with shortness of breath, and imaging revealed moderate right-side pleural effusion. Draining of pleural fluid was done and sent for investigation which again revealed no infective etiology. The patient was admitted to the hospital for one month as the right-sided effusion did not resolve. Suddenly, the patient developed shortness of breath, and a chest X-ray was done, which showed pigtail blockage; pigtail flushing was done, and the bag was drained. The patient was empirically started on IV meropenem 500 mg TID, IV teicoplanin 400 mg BD, and inj polymyxin B 500,000 IU IV BD. The pleural fluid was sent continuously for investigation for the first two months which again did not reveal any infective etiology. After two months of pigtail in situ, the pleural fluid was sent for CBNAAT where MTBC was not detected, and ZN stain showed smooth acid-fast bacilli. The sample was cultured, and it grew acid-fast bacilli in 72 hours on blood agar, MacConkey agar, and Lowenstein-Jensen media. A line probe assay done from the isolate revealed it to be Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus which was resistant to macrolides and sensitive to aminoglycosides. Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus was isolated from repeated cultures of pleural fluid, and the patient was advised on a combination treatment of amikacin, tigecycline, and imipenem. The patient was discharged with the indwelling pigtail with the advised treatment; unfortunately, we lost patient follow-up as the patient never returned to us.

Medical and surgical management of pneumothorax in diving and hyperbaric chambers.

The presence of a pneumothorax within a pressurized chamber represents unique diagnostic and management challenges. This is particularly the case in the medical and geographic remoteness of many chamber locations. Upon commencing chamber decompression, unvented intrapleural air expands. If its initial volume and/or degree of chamber pressure reduction is significant enough, a tension pneumothorax will result. Numerous reports chronicle failure to diagnose and manage in-chamber pneumothorax with resultant morbidity and one fatal outcome. Such cases have occurred in both medically remote and clinically based settings. This paper reviews pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax risk factors and clinical characteristics. It suggests primary medical management using the principle of oxygen-induced inherent unsaturation in concert with titrated chamber decompression designed to prevent intrapleural air expanding faster than it contracts. Should this conservative approach prove unsuccessful, and surgical venting becomes necessary or otherwise immediately indicated, interventional options are reviewed.

Demographics and prognosis of patients with pyogenic liver abscess due to Klebsiella pneumonia or other species.

Background: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a potentially life-threatening intra-abdominal infection. We compared the clinical features, treatments, and prognoses of patients who had Klebsiella pneumonia pyogenic liver abscess (KPPLA) and non-Klebsiella pneumonia pyogenic liver abscess (non-KPPLA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was used to compare the medical records of KPPLA and non-KPPLA patients with positive pus cultures at a single hospital in China from January 2017 to December 2019. Results: We examined 279 patients with definitively established PLA, 207 (74.2 %) with KPPLA, and 72 with non-KPPLA. The non-KPPLA group had a higher Charlson comorbidity index, longer hospital stay, longer duration of fever, and greater hospital costs. Multivariate analysis showed that alcohol intake (OR: 2.44, P = 0.048), cancer (OR: 4.80, P = 0.001), ICU admission (OR: 10.61, P = 0.026), resolution of fever OR: 1.04, P = 0.020), and a positive blood culture (OR: 2.87, P = 0.029) were independent predictors of primary treatment failure. Percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) and pigtail catheter drainage (PCD) provided satisfactory outcomes, but PNA led to shorter hospital stays and reduced costs, especially in KPPLA patients whose abscesses were smaller than 10 cm. Conclusion: KPPLA and non-KPPLA patients had some differences in comorbidities and treatment strategies, and non-KPPLA patients had a significantly worse prognosis.

Computed tomography imaging-guided parasternal approach drainage for children with tension pneumomediastinum: a case series.

PURPOSE: Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare and dangerous complication in children that can be fatal, and timely detection and treatment are critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of computed tomography (CT) imaging-guided parasternal approach drainage for tension pneumomediastinum in children. METHODS: From June 2018 to February 2023, we consecutively enrolled 19 children with tension pneumomediastinum in our institution. A pigtail catheter was inserted into the anterior mediastinum by a CT imaging-guided parasternal approach. The catheter was connected to a negative-pressure water seal bottle to drain the pneumomediastinum. Clinical data and outcomes were summarized. RESULTS: The mean age was 3.1 ± 3.4 years, the mean weight was 15 ± 9.1 kg, the mean procedure time was 11.8 ± 2.4 min, and the drainage time was 6.7 ± 3.4 days. No major complications were identified, such as haemothorax, catheter displacement, or mediastinal infection. Effective drainage was obtained in all patients as assessed by comparing images and ventilatory parameters, and no additional surgical treatment was needed. There was no recurrence during the follow-up, which was more than 2 months. In our data, two children with COVID-19 were discharged from the hospital after effective drainage and other clinical treatment. CONCLUSION: CT-guided parasternal approach drainage is safe, minimally invasive, and effective for children with tension pneumomediastinum.

Wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice (Wire TRUST) technique: A novel method to grasp a lead with inaccessible ends as a supportive femoral approach for transvenous lead extraction.

INTRODUCTION: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is a crucial procedure for managing cardiac implantable electronic devices. The use of a combined superior and femoral approach has been found to enhance the success rate of TLE. This report introduces a novel technique, named "Wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice" (Wire TRUST), for effectively grasping a lead without a free end during TLE. METHOD: The Wire TRUST technique was applied in a case involving a 49-year-old male patient requiring TLE due to electrical artifact on the right ventricular (RV) lead, replacement of the RV lead, and pacemaker generator exchange. The Wire TRUST technique involved the insertion of a 4-Fr pigtail catheter and a 6-Fr snare catheter through the 14-Fr sheath inserted from the right common femoral vein. The 4-Fr pigtail catheter was hooked to the RV lead under multidirectional fluoroscopic guidance in the right atrium. The 0.014-in. guidewire was advanced through the pigtail catheter, crossing the RV lead until reaching the inferior vena cava. Subsequently, the distal end of the 0.014-in. guidewire was captured using a snare and pulled, facilitating externalization of the guidewire. After externalization, both ends of the 0.014-in. guidewire were passed through the snare outside the body and reinserted into the 14-Fr sheath. By simultaneously advancing and closing the snare while applying tension to the 0.014-in. guidewire, a secure grip on the lead without free ends was achieved. RESULTS: The Wire TRUST technique enabled successful lead extraction and replacement without any complications. The technique facilitated the co-axial alignment of the powered sheath with the RV lead, ensuring safe and efficient extraction. CONCLUSION: The Wire TRUST technique presents a novel and effective approach for grasping leads with inaccessible ends during TLE.

Safety and feasibility of a novel chest tube placement in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The type and placement of chest tube for patients undergoing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel technique in which a pigtail catheter was used alone as the chest tube and placed near the incision for chest drainage after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. METHODS: A total of 217 patients undergoing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups. In group A, a 12-Fr pigtail catheter with several side ports was placed next to the uniportal wound. In group B, a conventional 20-Fr chest tube was placed through the uniportal wound itself. Postoperative complications related to chest tube placement and patients' subjective satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Postoperative pain management effect and other clinical outcomes such as duration of chest drainage and postoperative stay were also compared. RESULTS: There were 112 patients in group A and 105 patients in group B. A significantly lower incidence of wound complications was found in group A postoperatively (p = 0.034). The pain score on coughing in group A was significantly lower than that in group B on postoperative day two (POD2) (p = 0.021). There was no significant difference of other clinical outcomes such as duration of chest drainage and postoperative stay as well as major complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Placing a 12-Fr pigtail catheter alone next to the uniportal wound for chest drainage might be effective and safe after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy and extended lymphadenectomy.

Double-Pigtail Drainage Catheter: A New Design for Efficient Pleural Drainage.

Background and Objectives: The novel double-pigtail catheter (DPC) has an additional pigtail coiling at the mid-shaft with multiple centripetal side holes. The present study aimed to investigate the advantages and efficacy of DPC in overcoming the complications of conventional single-pigtail catheters (SPC) used to drain pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: Between July 2018 and December 2019, 382 pleural effusion drainage procedures were reviewed retrospectively (DPC, n = 156; SPC without multiple side holes, n = 110; SPC with multiple side holes (SPC + M), n = 116). All patients showed shifting pleural effusions in the decubitus view of the chest radiography. All catheters were 10.2 Fr in diameter. One interventional radiologist performed all procedures and used the same anchoring technique. Complications (dysfunctional retraction, complete dislodgement, blockage, and atraumatic pneumothorax) were compared among the catheters using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Clinical success was defined as an improvement in pleural effusion within three days without additional procedures. Survival analysis was performed to calculate the indwelling time. Results: The dysfunctional retraction rate of DPC was significantly lower than that of the other catheters (p < 0.001). Complete dislodgement did not occur in any of the DPC cases. The clinical success rate of DPC (90.1%) was the highest. The estimated indwelling times were nine (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3-10.7), eight (95% CI: 6.6-9.4), and seven (95% CI: 6.3-7.7) days for SPC, SPC + M, and DPC, respectively, with DPC showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: DPC had a lower dysfunctional retraction rate compared to conventional drainage catheters. Furthermore, DPC was efficient for pleural effusion drainage with a shorter indwelling time.

Pigtail catheter exchange technique for the Simmons catheter formation in transradial cerebral angiography.

BACKGROUND: The transradial approach (TRA) has become popular for diagnostic cerebral angiography. However, this approach is still used less often because of problematic formation of the Simmons catheter. The purpose of this study was to introduce a pigtail catheter exchange technique for Simmons catheter formation to improve the success rates with a shorter operation time and without increasing complications. METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients eligible for right TRA cerebral angiography at our institution from 2021. To introduce the technique, the cerebral angiogram of formation of the Simmons catheter in the type II aortic arch was constructed. Patient demographic and angiographic data were collected. RESULTS: In total, 295 cerebral angiographies were evaluated. There were 155 (52.5 %), 83 (28.1 %), 39 (13.2 %), and 18 (6.1 %) patients with types I, II, and III aortic arches and bovine arch, respectively. The total fluoroscopy time, operation time and radiation exposure were 6.3 ± 4.4 min, 17.7 ± 8.3 min and 559.2 ± 197.3 mGy, respectively. The Simmons catheter was successfully formed in 294 of 295 patients, with a success rate of 99.6 %, confirming an effective technique for right TRA cerebral angiography. No severe complications were observed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Pigtail catheter exchange may be an effective and safe technique for right TRA cerebral angiography. The findings of this report prompted institutions to apply this technique clinically and can serve as a basis for future trials focused on TRA cerebral angiography.

A 92-year-old patient with thoracic empyema successfully treated by CT-guided insertion of a pigtail catheter.

We present a case report of a 92-year-old patient with thoracic empyema, who was successfully treated via CT-guided insertion of a pigtail catheter. The advanced age of the patient often poses challenges in managing pyothorax due to limited physical activity and cognitive decline stemming from decreased activities of daily living. In instances where thoracic drainage is not feasible, the course of treatment is protracted and the prognosis is poor. Our case report exemplifies the successful treatment of pyothorax in a geriatric patient via CT-guided insertion of a pigtail catheter. We believe that this educational case serves as a testament to the fact that even the most aged patients can be successfully treated with resourcefulness.

Reintervention Rate After Pigtail Catheter Insertion Compared to Surgical Chest Tubes.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies suggest similar efficacy between large-bore chest tube (CT) placement and small-bore pigtail catheter (PC) placement for the treatment of pleural space processes. This study examined reintervention rates of CT and PC in patients with pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pleural effusion. METHODS: This retrospective study examined patients from September 2015 through December 2020. Patients were identified using ICD codes for pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion. Use of a pigtail catheter (≤14Fr) or surgical chest tube (≥20Fr) was noted. The primary outcome was overall reintervention rate within 30 days of tube insertion. Patients who died with a pleural drainage catheter in place, unrelated to complications from chest tube placement, were excluded. RESULTS: There were 1032 total patients in the study: 706 CT patients and 326 PC patients. The PC group was older with more comorbidities and more likely to have effusion as the indication for pleural drainage. Patients with PC were 2.35 times more likely to have the tube replaced or repositioned (P < .0001), 1.77 times more likely to require any reintervention (P = .001) and 2.09 times more likely to remain in the hospital >14 days (P < .0001) compared to patients with CT. CONCLUSION: PCs have a significantly higher reintervention rate compared to CT for the treatment of pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pleural effusion. Although PC are believed to cause less pain and tissue trauma, they do not necessarily drain the pleural space as well as CT. Decisions on which method of draining the chest should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outcomes of Pigtail Catheter Placement versus Chest Tube Placement in Adult Thoracic Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: A debate currently exists regarding the efficacy of pigtail catheters vs chest tubes in the management of thoracic trauma. This meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of pigtail catheters vs chest tubes in adult trauma patients with thoracic injuries. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Ebsco, and ProQuest electronic databases were queried for studies comparing the use of pigtail catheters vs chest tubes in adult trauma patients from database inception to August 15th, 2022. The primary outcome was the failure rate of drainage tubes, defined as requiring a second tube placement or VATS, unresolved pneumothorax, hemothorax, or hemopneumothorax requiring additional intervention. Secondary outcomes were initial drainage output, ICU-LOS, and ventilator days. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies satisfied eligibility criteria and were assessed in the meta-analysis. The pigtail group had higher initial output volumes vs the chest tube group, with a mean difference of 114.7 mL [95% CI (70.6 mL, 158.8 mL)]. Patients in the chest tube group also had a higher risk of requiring VATS vs the pigtail group, with a relative risk of 2.77 [95% CI (1.50, 5.11)]. CONCLUSIONS: In trauma patients, pigtail catheters rather than chest tubes are associated with higher initial output volume, reduced risk of VATS, and shorter tube duration. Considering the similar rates of failure, ventilator days, and ICU length-of-stay, pigtail catheters should be considered in the management of traumatic thoracic injuries. STUDY TYPE: Systematic Review and meta-analysis.

Double pigtail catheter reduction for seriously displaced intravenous infusion port catheter: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Implanted intravenous infusion port (TIAP) is mainly used for patients who need central venous infusion and poor peripheral vascular conditions. With the advantages of easy to carry, long maintenance cycle, few complications and excellent quality of life, it has been widely used in the fields of malignant tumor chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition support and repeated blood collection. Implanted intravenous infusion port (IVAP) dislocation can have significant complications if not recognised and reinstated immediately. CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old man was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. Severe displacement of IVAP catheter was found by chest X-ray examination. The IVAP cannot be used normally. Therefore, we conducted an emergency procedure to reset the catheter through double pigtail catheters, the operation was successful and the infusion port was restored. CONCLUSION: When IVAP catheter displacement cannot be reset by conventional techniques, two pigtail catheters can be successfully used instead.

Application of Targeted Coronary Angiography in the Diagnosis of Sudden Cardiac Death / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To diagnose coronary artery stenosis by using the postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA), and to explore the diagnostic value of PMCTA in sudden cardiac death.@*METHODS@#Six death cases were selected, and the contrast medium iohexol was injected under high pressure through femoral artery approach with 5F pigtail catheter to obtain coronary image data and then the data was analyzed. The results of targeted coronary imaging and coronary artery calcium score (CaS) were compared with the results of conventional autopsy and histopathological examination.@*RESULTS@#The autopsy and histopathological examination of cases with coronary artery stenosis obtained similar results in targeted coronary angiography, with a diagnostic concordance rate of 83.3%. Targeted coronary angiography could effectively show coronary artery diseases, and the CaS was consistent with the results of conventional autopsy and histopathological examination.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Targeted coronary angiography can be used as an effective auxiliary method for conventional autopsy in cases of sudden cardiac death.

Application of Targeted Coronary Angiography in the Diagnosis of Sudden Cardiac Death.

OBJECTIVES: To diagnose coronary artery stenosis by using the postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA), and to explore the diagnostic value of PMCTA in sudden cardiac death. METHODS: Six death cases were selected, and the contrast medium iohexol was injected under high pressure through femoral artery approach with 5F pigtail catheter to obtain coronary image data and then the data was analyzed. The results of targeted coronary imaging and coronary artery calcium score (CaS) were compared with the results of conventional autopsy and histopathological examination. RESULTS: The autopsy and histopathological examination of cases with coronary artery stenosis obtained similar results in targeted coronary angiography, with a diagnostic concordance rate of 83.3%. Targeted coronary angiography could effectively show coronary artery diseases, and the CaS was consistent with the results of conventional autopsy and histopathological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted coronary angiography can be used as an effective auxiliary method for conventional autopsy in cases of sudden cardiac death.

Outcome of Intermittent Thoracentesis versus Pigtail Catheter Drainage for Hepatic Hydrothorax.

Background/Aims: The management of hepatic hydrothorax (HH) remains a challenging clinical scenario with suboptimal options. We investigated the effect and safety of pigtail catheter drainage compared to intermittent thoracentesis. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study included 164 cirrhotic patients with recurrent pleural effusion from March 2012 to June 2017. Patients with neoplasms, cardiopulmonary disease, and infectious conditions were excluded. We compared the clinical outcomes of pigtail catheter drainage versus thoracentesis for variables including complications related to procedures, overall survival, and re-admission rates. Results: A total of 164 patients were divided into pigtail catheter (n = 115) and thoracentesis (n = 49) groups. During the follow-up period of 6.93 months after discharge, 98 patients died (pigtail; n = 47 vs. thoracentesis; n = 51). The overall survival (p = 0.61) and 30-day mortality (p = 0.77) rates were similar between the pigtail catheter and thoracentesis groups. Only MELD scores were associated with overall survival (adjusted HR, 1.08; p < 0.01) in patients with HH. Spontaneous pleurodesis occurred in 59 patients (51.3%) in the pigtail catheter group. Re-admission rates did not differ between the pigtail catheter and thoracentesis groups (13.2% vs 19.6% p = 0.7). A total of five complications occurred, including four total cases of bleeding (one patient in the pigtail catheter group and three in the thoracentesis group) and one case of empyema in the pigtail catheter group. Conclusions: Pigtail catheter drainage is not inferior to that of intermittent thoracentesis for the management of HH, proving it may be an effective and safe clinical option.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Outcome of Liver Abscess: A Single-Center Experience.

Introduction Liver abscesses are rare, but whenever they occur, it is predominantly among males over 60 years of age. The paradigm in the treatment has changed, and percutaneous drainage is now the initial treatment for drainage of the abscesses. Open surgery is reserved for patients with septated abscesses and those greater than 5 cm. Objective  To study the etiological, clinical, pathological, and demographic characteristics of individuals with liver abscesses and to evaluate the outcome associated with different treatment strategies. Methods This clinico-epidemiological study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Jodhpur. One hundred patients with liver abscesses were studied. Patients were assigned to three groups: Group 1 - medical management alone (in non-aspirable uncomplicated abscess), Group 2 - USG-guided needle aspiration or pigtail percutaneous catheter drainage plus medical management (in unruptured aspirable abscess), Group 3 - open surgical drainage plus medical management (In ruptured abscesses). Of the total patients, 36% were treated with medical therapy alone, 45% with USG-guided needle aspiration, 10% with USG-guided percutaneous catheter drainage, and 9% with open surgical drainage. Results In our study, fever and hepatomegaly were the commonest presentations, observed in 91% and 62% of cases, respectively. Escherichia coli (E.coli) was the predominant organism cultured in 28 (43.75%) patients followed by Klebsiella growing in 24 (37.50%) patients. The right lobe was affected more (83%) than the left lobe and in the majority (83%), a solitary abscess was present. The mean age of liver abscess presentation was 40.72 years, with a 5.67:1 male-to-female ratio. Alcohol consumption was reported by 33% of patients, the majority of whom were men. Serum bilirubin was elevated in 56% of liver abscess patients, while it was normal in 44%. The mean serum bilirubin was 2.08 mg/dl. The mean value in group 1, group 2, and group 3 was 1.44 mg/dl, 2.23 mg/dl, and 2.57 mg/dl, respectively. Liver abscesses were identified in 76% of patients with right lobes; 83% had solitary liver abscesses and 17% had numerous abscesses. Abscess culture showed E. coli in 21 (32.81%) and Klebsiella in 17 (26.56%) patients. Conclusion Right-sided solitary pyogenic liver abscess caused by E.coli is the most common liver abscess, with fever and hepatomegaly as the most common presentation. Non-aspirable liver abscesses, regardless of aetiology, can be successfully treated by medical therapy alone. Needle aspiration or catheter drainage is standard for liver abscesses. Thus, needle aspiration has replaced the surgical exploration of liver abscesses.

Tunneled Uncuffed Pigtail Drainage Catheter Placement in Patients with Refractory Ascites or Pleural Effusion: A Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: No evidence exists to support the use of tunneled non-cuffed pigtail drainage catheters in patients with refractory ascites or pleural effusion. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of non-cuffed tunneled pigtail drainage catheters in patients with refractory ascites or pleural effusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 5, 2020 and May 25, 2021, 34 pigtail catheters were implanted in 27 patients (17 males, 10 females; average age: 65.66 ± 12.04 years) under either ultrasound or computed-tomography guidance (19 catheters for ascites, 15 catheters for pleural effusion). Twenty-eight catheters (82.35%) were implanted for malignant etiologies, and 6 catheters (17.65%) were implanted for benign etiologies. The catheters (size: 8-14 French) were implanted through a subcutaneous tunnel. Complication rate and factors related to complications were analyzed. Catheter lifetime was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Patency ranged from 3 to 211 days. None of the patients experienced a major complication (e.g., peritonitis and empyema). Meanwhile, 8 minor complications were observed including 3 catheter occlusion, 3 ascites leakage, 1 peri-catheter local skin infection, 1 peri-catheter local skin reaction. None of the etiologies were related to the catheter complications. However, the 8-F catheter was associated with a significantly higher complication rate (odds = 5.5, p = 0.044). The estimated mean [CI] dwelling time of a catheter was 59.18 [32.97, 85.39] days. CONCLUSIONS: Image-guided insertion of tunneled peritoneal or pleural pigtail external drainage catheters achieved with a 100% technical success rate and resulted in an acceptable complication rate and catheter lifetime for the management of refractory ascites or pleural effusion.

A Primer and Literature Review on Internal and External Retention Mechanisms for Catheter Fixation.

Although catheters are commonplace in hospital settings, there is scarce literature discussing the internal and external retention mechanisms used to aid in catheter fixation. Additionally, exact definitions and detailed information on internal and external retention mechanisms are almost non-existent in the literature. This article serves three primary purposes. The first purpose is to define internal and external catheter retention mechanisms, describe how they work, and provide examples of each that are routinely used in healthcare settings. The second goal of this paper is to provide a literature review comparing various aspects of the different types of internal and external catheter retention mechanisms discussed in the paper, including performance variance and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The third aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of catheter dislodgment, including the rates at which this occurs, the problems that can arise, and the best treatment option when this does occur.

It is Time to Replace Large Drains with Small Ones After Fixation of Rib Fractures: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Large-bore chest tubes are usually applied after thoracic surgery. Recently, small-bore tubes have been increasingly considered owing to the extensive use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study assessed the differences in outcomes between large-bore and small-caliber drainage tubes in patients undergoing surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) with VATS. METHODS: Overall, 131 patients undergoing SSRF with VATS were prospectively enrolled, including 65 patients receiving 32-Fr chest tubes (group 1) and 66 patients receiving 14-Fr pigtail catheters (group 2) for postoperative drainage. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of the patients were compared. RESULTS: All patients underwent SSRF with VATS within 4 days after trauma. After the operation, the mean duration of chest tubes was longer than that of pigtail catheters, with statistical significance (5.08 ± 2.47 vs 3.11 ± 1.31, P = 0.001). Length of stay (LOS) was also longer in group 1 (10.38 ± 2.90 vs 8.18 ± 2.44, P = 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression, the only independent factors between the two groups were duration of postoperative drainage (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.746; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.171-10.583, P = 0.001) and hospital LOS (AOR 1.272; 95% CI 0.109-4.888, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: After reconstruction of the chest wall and lung parenchyma, small-caliber drainage catheters could be easily and safely applied to reduce hospital LOS.