Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
08:55
In vivo Measurement of the Mouse Pulmonary Endothelial Surface Layer
Published on: February 22, 2013
Tension pneumothorax complicating small-caliber chest tube insertion
1Department of Internal Medicine, St. Louis University Medical Center.
Chest
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Improper Heimlich valve attachment to chest tubes can cause tension pneumothorax. This medical complication highlights the need for careful procedure adherence in thoracic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Device Safety
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Chest tubes are critical for managing pleural effusions and pneumothorax.
- Heimlich valves are commonly used for chest tube drainage.
- Proper valve attachment is essential for patient safety.
Observation:
- Two patients experienced tension pneumothorax.
- The complication arose from incorrect Heimlich valve connection to the chest tube.
- This indicates a potential failure in device management or procedural protocol.
Findings:
- A direct causal link was observed between improper Heimlich valve attachment and tension pneumothorax.
- The study identifies a specific risk associated with a standard medical procedure.
- Patient outcomes were negatively impacted by this preventable complication.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical importance of meticulous technique in chest tube and Heimlich valve management.
- Suggests a need for enhanced training or protocol review for healthcare professionals.
- Underscores the potential for serious adverse events from seemingly minor procedural errors.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:23Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
01:28Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...