RESUMO
Needle thoracostomy (NT) is a valuable adjunct in the management of tension pneumothorax (tPTX), a life-threatening condition encountered mainly in trauma and critical care environments. Most commonly, needle thoracostomies are used in the prehospital setting and during acute trauma resuscitation to temporize the affected individuals prior to the placement of definitive tube thoracostomy (TT). Because it is both an invasive and emergent maneuver, NT can be associated with a number of potential complications, some of which may be life-threatening. Due to relatively common use of this procedure, it is important that healthcare providers are familiar, and ready to deal with, potential complications of NT.
RESUMO
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chest tube placement, or tube thoracostomy, is an invasive procedure designed to evacuate air and/or fluid from the thorax, whether emergent or elective. In the placement of these devices particular attention and effort must be made to understand safe and reliable anatomic techniques and device maintenance so as to avoid serious injury to the patient. This review focuses on complications of chest tube placement, with the emphasis on patient safety and error prevention. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a paucity of high-quality recent literature on tube thoracostomy complications. With the advent of value-driven healthcare, increasing emphasis is being placed on appropriate procedural indications, procedural safety, and patient satisfaction. Good clinical outcomes are critical to achieve and maintain in this context. SUMMARY: Given the high volume of tube thoracostomies globally, greater awareness of potential complications and preventive strategies is needed. The authors attempt to bridge this important gap.
