Where should the tip of the chest drain lie after insertion?

Position of the tip should depend on the indication for insertion: Aim apically for a pneumothorax Aim basally for fluid However, any tube position can be effective at draining air or fluid – tubes should not be repositioned solely based on the radiographic...

Where should a chest drain be placed in relation to the ribs?

The intercostal spaces are filled with: Intercostal muscles, Intercostal vein, artery, and nerve – lying in the costal groove along the inferior margin of the superior rib To avoid the neurovascular bundle, it is typically advocated that the drain be located in...

Where should a drain be placed anatomically?

Usually placed in the ‘Triangle of Safety’: Anterior border of latissimus dorsi The lateral border of the pectoralis major A line superior to the horizontal level of the nipple (5th intercostal space) Apex below the axilla It is a safe place because of its...

What are the indications for chest drain insertion?

Pneumothorax: In any ventilated patient Tension pneumothorax after initial needlerelief Persistent or recurrent pneumothoraxafter simple aspiration Large secondary spontaneous pneumothorax Malignant pleural effusion Empyema and complicated parapneumonicpleural...