Chest Tube Thoracostomy

Chest Tube Thoracostomy

Overview

This involves placing a flexible tube through the chest wall and into the lining of the lungs to evacuate air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space.  There are different size tubes and the provider performing the procedure will determine the size.

 

Indications

  • Collapse of the lung

  • Infection causing fluid to build up

  • Accumulation of blood

  • Recurrent fluid collection

  • After cardiothoracic surgery


 Risks

  • Pain

  • Bleeding

  • Infection