Chest Tube Size Selection: Evaluating Provider Practices, Treatment Efficacy, and Complications in Management of Thoracic Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The standard for managing traumatic pneumothorax (PTX), hemothorax (HTX), and hemopneumothorax (HPTX) has historically been large-bore (LB) chest tubes (>20-Fr). Previous studies have shown equal efficacy of small-bore (SB) chest tubes (≤19-Fr) in draining PTX and HTX/HPTX. This study aimed to evaluate provider practice patterns, treatment efficacy, and complications related to the selection of chest tube sizes for patients with thoracic trauma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on adult patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for traumatic PTX, HTX, or HPTX at a Level 1 Trauma Center from January 2016 to December 2021. Comparison was made between SB and LB thoracostomy tubes. The primary outcome was indication for chest tube placement based on injury pattern. Secondary outcomes included retained hemothorax, insertion-related complications, and duration of chest tube placement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-one patients were included and 297 (87.1%) received LB tubes. No significant differences were found between the groups concerning tube failure and insertion-related complications. LB tubes were more frequently placed in patients with penetrating MOI, higher average ISS, and higher average thoracic AIS. Patients who received LB chest tubes experienced a higher incidence of retained HTX. DISCUSSION: In patients with thoracic trauma, both SB and LB chest tubes may be used for treatment. SB tubes are typically placed in nonemergent situations, and there is apparent provider bias for LB tubes. A future randomized clinical trial is needed to provide additional data on the usage of SB tubes in emergent situations.

Unusual case of spontaneous hemopneumothorax in a Tunisian pulmonology department: a case report.

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is a rare encountered entity in clinical practice. It can be life threatening, so a prompt diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are required. We report a case of a right spontaneous hemopneumothorax in a 31-year-old man, complicated with hemorrhagic shock. Conservative therapy with only thoracic drainage with close monitoring of outflow and hemodynamic parameters was performed. In front of hemodynamic instability, an emergency video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed. An apical bulla adhering to the parietal pleura has been identified as the source of the bleeding. The resection of the bullae and electrocauterization of the bleeding adhesion were effectuated. The hemostasis was easily achieved. The actual experience suggests that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery should be performed as soon as possible after the diagnosis of spontaneous hemopneumothorax. Indeed, conservative therapy with chest drainage should only be performed as bridge to recovery for the stabilization before the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax with a ruptured aneurysm in the second intercostal artery: report of a case.

Ruptured intercostal aneurysm is a rare cause of spontaneous hemopneumothorax (SHP). A 29-year-old woman presented to our hospital with left neck pain and, in the emergency room, suddenly lost consciousness. Chest radiography showed massive pleural effusion and the moderate collapse of the left lung. A chest drain was placed and 800 mL of bloody pleural effusion was collected. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a ruptured aneurysm near the left pulmonary apex. Emergency angiography further revealed the ruptured aneurysm in the second intercostal artery. Transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) was performed, which resulted in hemostasis. On hospitalization day 2, the hematoma was removed via video-assisted thoracic surgery. A bulla was also identified in the lower lobe and removed. She was discharged from the hospital on a postoperative day 6 without complications. Thus, TAE might be effective to control bleeding during the initial treatment of SHP due to a ruptured aneurysm.

Randomized Clinical Trial of 14-French (14F) Pigtail Catheters versus 28-32F Chest Tubes in the Management of Patients with Traumatic Hemothorax and Hemopneumothorax.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional management of traumatic hemothorax/hemopneumothorax (HTX/HPTX) has been insertion of large-bore 32-40 French (Fr) chest tubes (CTs). Retrospective studies have shown 14Fr percutaneous pigtail catheters (PCs) are equally effective as CTs. Our aim was to compare effectiveness between PCs and CTs by performing the first randomized controlled trial (RCT). We hypothesize PCs work equally as well as CTs in management of traumatic HTX/HPTX. METHODS: Prospective RCT comparing 14Fr PCs to 28-32Fr CTs for management of traumatic HTX/HPTX from 07/2015 to 01/2018. We excluded patients requiring emergency tube placement or who refused. Primary outcome was failure rate defined as retained HTX or recurrent PTX requiring additional intervention. Secondary outcomes included initial output (IO), tube days and insertion perception experience (IPE) score on a scale of 1-5 (1 = tolerable experience, 5 = worst experience). Unpaired Student's t-test, chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were utilized with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics between PC patients (N = 20) and CT patients (N = 23) were similar. Failure rates (10% PCs vs. 17% CTs, P = 0.49) between cohorts were similar. IO (median, 650 milliliters[ml]; interquartile range[IR], 375-1087; for PCs vs. 400 ml; IR, 240-700; for CTs, P = 0.06), and tube duration was similar, but PC patients reported lower IPE scores (median, 1, "I can tolerate it"; IR, 1-2) than CT patients (median, 3, "It was a bad experience"; IR, 3-4, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with traumatic HTX/HPTX, 14Fr PCs were equally as effective as 28-32Fr CTs with no significant difference in failure rates. PC patients, however, reported a better insertion experience. www.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration ID: NCT02553434.

Tension Hemopneumothorax in the Setting of Mechanical CPR during Prehospital Cardiac Arrest.

INTRODUCTION: There are several complications associated with automated mechanical CPR (AM-CPR), including tension pneumothoraces. The incidence of these complications and the risk factors for their development remain poorly characterized. Tension hemopneumothorax is a previously unreported complication of AM-CPR. The authors present a case of a suspected tension hemopneumothorax that developed during the use of an automated mechanical CPR device. Case Description: A 67 year-old woman with a history of COPD and CABG was observed by an off-duty firefighter to be slumped behind the wheel of an ice cream truck that drifted off the road at a low rate of speed and was stopped by a wooden fence, resulting in only minor paint scratches. The patient was found to be in cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm. No signs of trauma were noted, and equal bilateral breath sounds were present with BVM ventilation. After 13 minutes of manual CPR, fire department personnel applied their Defibtech LifeLine ARM mechanical CPR device to the patient. During resuscitation, the device had to be repositioned twice due to rightward piston migration off of the sternum. Seven minutes after AM-CPR application, the patient had absent right-sided breath sounds and ventilations were more difficult. Needle decompression was performed with an audible release of air. A chest tube was placed by an EMS physician and roughly 400 mL of blood were immediately returned. At the next 2-minute pulse check, ROSC was noted, and the patient was transported to the hospital. She had an ischemic EKG and elevated troponin. Chest CT showed emphysematous lungs, bilateral rib fractures, and a small right-sided pneumothorax. Despite aggressive measures, the patient's condition gradually worsened, and she died 48 hours after presentation. Discussion/Conclusion: Migration of AM-CPR device pistons may contribute to the development of iatrogenic injuries such as hemopneumothoraces. Patients with underlying lung disease may be at a higher risk of developing pneumothoraces or hemopneumothoraces during the course of AM-CPR. Awareness of these potential complications may aid first responders by improving vigilance of piston location and by providing quicker recognition of iatrogenic injuries that need immediate attention to improve the opportunity for ROSC.

Concealment of trauma and occupational accidents among Fukushima nuclear disaster decontamination workers: A case report.

OBJECTIVES: Limited information exists concerning occupational risks in decontamination work after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. Workers involved tend to be migrant workers, face various health risks, and are usually from a low socioeconomic background and generally have difficulty in finding employment. We report a specific case to illustrate the way these workers tend to get injured during working hours and draw attention to the problems arising. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old Japanese male decontamination worker was referred to our emergency department after a fall while he was working in an Exclusion Zone surrounding the FDNPP. He was blind in his right eye. He was diagnosed with traumatic multiple rib fractures and a tube thoracostomy was performed. He was discharged from hospital after 7 days. Payment has been changed from "occupational accident," which is required to be reported to the Local Labor Standards Office, to "general medical treatment" which is no obligation. CONCLUSION: Trauma or physical injury of any kind is an occupational hazard for workers, especially those operating in the chaotic and unpredictable environments following any disasters. Companies employing such workers and owners of any facilities or locations in which they may be working are responsible for the safety of their workers. They should provide appropriate training and should comply with all prevailing Employment Laws and follow mandatory safety regulations. If companies and authorities are in breach of any laws, ignore their responsibilities, or jeopardize the health of their workers, they should be held accountable.

A case report: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe blunt thoracic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: The use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in trauma patients has been controversial, but VV-ECMO plays a crucial role when the lungs are extensively damaged and when conventional management has failed. VV-ECMO provides adequate tissue oxygenation and an opportunity for lung recovery. However, VV-ECMO remains contraindicated in patients with a risk of bleeding because of systemic anticoagulation during the treatment. The most important point is controlling the bleeding from severe trauma. CASE: A 32-year-old male experienced blunt trauma due to a traffic accident. He presented with bilateral hemopneumothorax and bilateral flail chest. We performed emergency thoracotomy for active bleeding and established circulatory stability. After surgery, the oxygenation deteriorated under mechanical ventilation, so we decided to establish VV-ECMO. However, bleeding from the bilateral lung contusions increased after VV-ECMO was established, and the patient was switched to heparin-free ECMO. After conversion, we could control the bronchial bleeding, especially the lung hematomas, and the oxygenation recovered. The patient was discharged without significant complications. VV-ECMO and mechanical ventilation were stopped on days 10 and 11, respectively. He was discharged from the ICU on day 15. CONCLUSION: When we consider the use of ECMO for patients with uncontrollable, severe bleeding caused by blunt trauma, it may be necessary to use a higher flow setting for heparin-free ECMO than typically used for patients without trauma to prevent thrombosis.

Severe haemophilia A in a neonate presenting as haemopneumothorax after tracheo-oesophageal fistula-oesophageal atresia repair.

A male infant with oesophageal atresia and distal tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF type C) underwent right thoracotomy and transpleural repair of TEF on day 4 of life. He did not have a family history of coagulation disorders. A preoperative finding of prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT)>200 s was overlooked, and he went to surgery. There were no concerns with haemostasis prior to and even during the operation. The prolonged PTT was treated with one 10 mL/kg dose of fresh frozen plasma in the immediate postoperative period. On the fourth postoperative day, the infant developed a right haemopneumothorax, requiring fresh frozen plasma and packed cell transfusions. He was subsequently diagnosed with severe haemophilia A due to intron 22 inversion in the factor VIII gene, with factor VIII level <0.01 IU/mL.

Unusual case of primary spontaneous hemopneumothorax in a young man with atypical tension pneumothorax: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous life-threatening hemopneumothorax is an atypical but treatable entity of unexpected circulatory collapse in young patients, affecting 0.5-11.6% of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a well-documented disorder with a classic clinical presentation of acute onset chest pain and shortness of breath. This disorder might be complicated by the development of hemopneumothorax or tension pneumothorax. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old Asian man was referred to the emergency room of Xiamen Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with a 1-day history of right-sided chest pain that had been aggravated for 1 hour. A physical examination revealed a young man who was awake and alert but in mild to moderate painful distress. His vital parameters were relatively stable at first. The examining physician noted slight tenderness along the right posterolateral chest wall along the eighth and tenth ribs. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax was considered, and a standing chest X-ray confirmed the diagnosis. A right thoracostomy tube was immediately placed under sterile conditions, and he was referred to the respiratory service. While in the respiratory department, approximately 420 mL of blood was drained from the thoracostomy tube over 15 minutes. Our patient developed obvious hemodynamic instability with hypovolemic shock and was subsequently admitted to the cardiothoracic surgical ward after fluid resuscitation. During the ensuing 4 hours after admission, 750 mL of blood was drained through the thoracostomy tube. A bedside chest X-ray was requested after he was temporarily hemodynamically stabilized. Primary spontaneous hemopneumothorax associated with right tension pneumothorax was considered based on the radiological impression and clinical signs. An emergency limited posterolateral thoracotomy was performed. A standing chest X-ray performed on day 6 of admission after the removal of the thoracostomy tube showed a complete re-expansion of his right lung. He remained stable and was discharged within 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: The successful treatment of a large spontaneous hemopneumothorax depends on early recognition, proactive intervention, and early consideration by a cardiothoracic surgeon. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, early thoracotomy should be considered. Such an aggressive surgery not only leads to shorter hospitalization but also confers better long-term outcomes.

Malposition of a Central Venous Catheter in Trauma: Confirmation of Placement Prevents Complications.

This case study presents the inadvertent catheterization of a traumatic hemopneumothorax. A 22-year-old man sustained multiple stab wounds, including the left chest with a resultant hemopneumothorax. Upon arrival at a Level 1 trauma center, an ipsilateral subclavian central catheter was placed, blood was freely aspirated, and because of the patient's critical status, immediately utilized for resuscitation prior to line verification by radiography. A short time later, the catheter was felt to be malpositioned, most likely in the left intrathoracic space, and removed. The patient subsequently recovered and was discharged home 3 days later.

A Prospective Study of 7-Year Experience Using Percutaneous 14-French Pigtail Catheters for Traumatic Hemothorax/Hemopneumothorax at a Level-1 Trauma Center: Size Still Does Not Matter.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of 14-French (14F) pigtail catheters (PCs) compared to 32-40F chest tubes (CTs) in patients with traumatic hemothorax (HTX) and hemopneumothorax (HPTX) is becoming more well known but still lacking. The aim of our study was to analyze our cumulative experience and outcomes with PCs in patients with traumatic HTX/HPTX. We hypothesized that PCs would be as effective as CTs. METHODS: Using our PC database, we analyzed all trauma patients who required chest drainage for HTX/HPTX from 2008 to 2014. Primary outcomes of interest, comparing PCs to CTs, included initial drainage output in milliliters (mL), tube insertion-related complications, and failure rate. For our statistical analysis, we used the unpaired Student's t test, Chi-square test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. We defined statistical significance as P < 0.05. RESULTS: During the 7-year period, 496 trauma patients required chest drainage for traumatic HTX/HPTX: 307 by CTs and 189 by PCs. PC patients were older (52 ± 21 vs. 42 ± 19, P < 0.001), demonstrated a significantly higher occurrence of blunt trauma (86 vs. 55%, P ≤ 0.001), and had tubes placed in a non-emergent fashion (Day 1 [interquartile range (IQR) 1-3 days] for PC placement vs. Day 0 [IQR 0-1 days] for CT placement, P < 0.001). All primary outcomes of interest were similar, except that the initial drainage output for PCs was higher (425 mL [IQR 200-800 mL] vs. 300 mL [IQR 150-500], P < 0.001). Findings for subgroup analysis among emergent and non-emergent PC placement were also similar to CT placement. CONCLUSION: PCs had similar outcomes to CTs in terms of failure rate and tube insertion-related complications, and the initial drainage output from PCs was not inferior to that of CTs. The usage of PCs was, however, selective. A future multi-center study is needed to provide additional support and information for PC usage in traumatic HTX/HPTX.

Traumatic haemopneumothorax and 'whole-body' subcutaneous emphysema: successful use of a small-bore chest drain.

A 56-year-old man presented having had two falls at home. He had a background of multiple sclerosis. After his second fall, during which he had fallen onto the toilet injuring his right chest, he was brought into the emergency department reporting pleuritic chest discomfort. Immediately evident was extensive swelling from his forehead to his thighs, which on palpation was found to be subcutaneous emphysema. A chest X-ray showed a large right-sided pneumothorax for which a chest drain was inserted. A CT revealed extensive surgical emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum and gas within the spinal canal. It also showed right-sided rib fractures and associated haemothorax. He was managed conservatively with a 12-French (F), small-bore, chest drain and made a complete recovery without complication. This case challenges the widely held, but poorly evidenced, opinion that traumatic haemopneumothorax needs to be managed with a large-bore surgical chest drain.

Prolonged Field Care of a Casualty With Penetrating Chest Trauma.

As Special Operations mission sets shift to regions with less coalition medical infrastructure, the need for quality long-term field care has increased. More and more, Special Operations Medics will be expected to maintain casualties in the field well past the "golden hour" with limited resources and other tactical limitations. This case report describes an extended-care scenario (>12 hours) of a casualty with a chest wound, from point of injury to eventual casualty evacuation and hand off at a Role II facility. This case demonstrates the importance of long-term tactical medical considerations and the effectiveness of minimal fluid resuscitation in treating penetrating thoracic trauma.

To drain or not to drain? Predictors of tube thoracostomy insertion and outcomes associated with drainage of traumatic hemothoraces.

INTRODUCTION: Historical data suggests that many traumatic hemothoraces (HTX) can be managed expectantly without tube thoracostomy (TT) drainage. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of TT, including whether the quantity of pleural blood predicted tube placement, and to evaluate outcomes associated with TT versus expected management (EM) of traumatic HTXs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all trauma patients with HTXs and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥12 managed at a level I trauma centre between April 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012 was completed. Mixed-effects models with a subject-specific random intercept were used to identify independent risk factors for TT. Logistic and log-linear regression were used to compute odds ratios (ORs) for mortality and empyema and percent increases in length of hospital and intensive care unit stay between patients managed with TT versus EM, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 635 patients with 749 HTXs were included in the study. Overall, 491 (66%) HTXs were drained while 258 (34%) were managed expectantly. Independent predictors of TT placement included concomitant ipsilateral flail chest [OR 3.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-8.80; p=0.04] or pneumothorax (OR 6.19; 95% CI 1.79-21.5; p<0.01) and the size of the HTX (OR per 10cc increase 1.12; 95% CI 1.04-1.21; p<0.01). Although the adjusted odds of mortality were not significantly different between groups (OR 3.99; 95% CI 0.87-18.30; p=0.08), TT was associated with a 47.14% (95% CI, 25.57-69.71%; p<0.01) adjusted increase in hospital length of stay. Empyemas (n=29) only occurred among TT patients. CONCLUSIONS: Expectant management of traumatic HTX was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay, no empyemas, and no increase in mortality. Although EM of smaller HTXs may be safe, these findings must be confirmed by a large multi-centre cohort study and randomized controlled trials before they are used to guide practice.

A novel technique of anesthesia induction in supine position with impaled knife in the back.

Current technique of airway management for impaled knife in the back includes putting the patient in lateral position and intubation. We present here a novel technique of anesthesia induction (intubation and central line insertion) in a patient with impaled knife in the back which is simple and easily reproducible. This technique can be used for single lung ventilation using double lumen tube or bronchial blocker also if desired.

Assessment of spontaneous hemopneumothorax: Indications for surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although spontaneous hemopneumothorax is rare, emergency surgery may be necessary if massive bleeding is present. METHODS: We examined therapeutic strategies and outcomes as well as background factors in 16 patients with spontaneous hemopneumothorax treated at our hospital between April 2002 and August 2013. RESULTS: Emergency surgery was performed in 3 patients, all of whom were hemodynamically unstable. Elective surgery was performed in 7 patients, all of whom showed continuous bleeding from a pleural cavity drain. The surgery consisted of intrapleural hematoma removal, hemostasis, and bullectomy; 3-port thoracoscopy was used in all of the surgical cases. Six patients, none of whom showed continuous bleeding, recovered with conservative therapy. Comparing the conservative therapy and surgery groups revealed the mean continuous bleeding volume and total blood loss to be significantly greater in the latter, but no significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of the initial bleeding volume following tube thoracostomy. None of the cases required a blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is not necessarily an indication for surgery, and even when the initial volume of blood drained through the chest tube is large, some patients can still be treated conservatively with careful monitoring of vital signs and continuous bleeding volumes. However, it is important not to miss the optimal timing of surgery in order to avoid administering unnecessary blood transfusions to young patients.