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What is a tension pneumothorax?
Progressive accumulation of air within the pleural space, usually due to a laceration which allows air to enter the pleural space but not return. This results in increasing pressure on the mediastinum which shifts to the opposite side, compresses major vessels and can cause circulatory compromise and cardiac arrest.
Signs of a tension pneumothorax:
Respiratory distress
Tachycardia, hypotension, hypoxia
Tracheal deviation to opposite side
On affected side
Increased percussion note
Absent breath sounds
Needle thoracostomy procedure
Confirm side as above
Apply sterile gloves
Sterilise area with chlorhexidine snap-swab or equivalent
Obtain a 14-16G (orange/grey) IV cannula and attach a 10ml syringe to the back port
Insert into the second intercostal space, mid-clavicular line at 90Ė, just above the 3rd rib (to avoid the neurovascular bundle on the inferior rib surface of the 2nd rib above)
Aspirate as you advance and continue advancing until air can be aspirated into the syringe
After air is aspirated, keeping the needle still, advance the cannula body until it reaches the skin (keeping the needle/syringe still)
Remove the needle and syringe
Secure with tape
Wide-bore cannula with syringe
Subsequent management
The tension pneumothorax has now been converted into a simple pneumothorax
A chest drain is required for definitive management
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