Chest tube
Formal Definition
A tube placed through the chest wall into the pleural space to drain fluid or air (thoracostomy tube).
How It's Used on the Ward
"Chest tube for the pneumo" — placed at the bedside or in the ED/OR.
Example
""Spontaneous pneumothorax, 30% collapse on the right. Patient is symptomatic — saturations dipping. Thoracostomy tube placement at the 4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line.""
Clinical Context
Chest tube placement is a milestone procedure. Know the anatomy: bundle of vessels runs along the inferior border of the rib. Entry above the rib, not below.
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