Although not in the ATLS manual yet you can use a Seldinger Chest Drain
(Cook) which uses a series of dilators. The only problem is it only goes up
to 28 size, so would not necessarily be OK for large haemothoraces (might
clot in tube). Has anyone else used them? Are there any other companies
producing them?
My registrar (Peter Cutting) introduced me to the Portex 12 size Seldinger
chest drains for spontaneous pneumothorax and effusions. It is extremely
patient friendly and all the hospital are using them now.
Ray McGlone
A&E Consultant
Lancaster
----- Original Message -----
From: Belsham, Philip <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2000 11:41 AM
Subject: thoracostomies
> I would be interested to hear the views on thoracostomies for the multiply
> injures patient being transferred to A&E. They do seem to cause
significant
> problems - I have seen two patients with very major haemorrhage from the
> wounds, not the chest cavity! Our surgeons are getting grumpy about these
> cases!
>
> Philip Belsham
>
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