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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
Video-assisted thorascopic removal of migratory acupuncture needle causing pneumothorax
Wesley B von Riedenauer1, Mark K Baker2, Robert J Brewer2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI..
Abstract:
We report the case of a 25-year-old African-American man presenting to the Henry Ford Hospital emergency department with acute dyspnea secondary to a pneumothorax resulting from a migratory acupuncture needle. The patient received acupuncture treatment approximately 5 years prior to this presentation for treatment of posttraumatic chronic right shoulder pain. Chest radiography revealed retained needles in his right shoulder girdle and a needle overlying the thoracic cage with an attendant pneumothorax. Catheter aspiration for simple pneumothorax provided immediate symptomatic relief. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was then used to remove the migratory acupuncture needle from the chest wall. The patient recovered without complication and was discharged to home.
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