How is a needle used to treat a pneumothorax?

If the patient has either a closed or open tension pneumothorax, then the need for a needle decompression is required to save the patient. A needle decompression involves inserting a large bore needle in the second intercostal space, at the midclavicular line.

Where do you put a needle for a collapsed lung?

Needle aspiration of pneumothorax is done with a needle inserted anteriorly into the 2nd intercostal space on the side of the pneumothorax. The patient should be positioned in a semi-recumbent position to allow air to collect at the apex of the lung.

What type of tube is used to fix a pneumothorax?

Chest tube insertion. A flexible chest tube is inserted into the air-filled space and may be attached to a one-way valve device that continuously removes air from the chest cavity until your lung is re-expanded and healed.

What procedure fixes a collapsed lung?

Surgery for pneumothorax In cases where a chest tube doesn’t work, your doctor might need to do lung surgery to close off the air leak. We call this surgery “thoracoscopy” or VATS (Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery).

Why is needle aspiration done in pneumothorax?

Needle aspiration is considered to be as effective and safe as chest-tube thoracostomy for the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Needle aspiration results in less discomfort and pain, a shorter hospital stay, and fewer hospital admissions than does chest-tube thoracostomy.

Where do you insert a chest tube?

The chest tube is inserted through a 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) cut in your skin between your ribs. Then it is guided to the correct spot. The tube is connected to a special canister. Suction is often used to help it drain.

How are chest tubes inserted?

Does a collapsed lung require surgery?

Some people with a collapsed lung need extra oxygen. Lung surgery may be needed to treat collapsed lung or to prevent future episodes. The area where the leak occurred may be repaired. Sometimes, a special chemical is placed into the area of the collapsed lung.