>I've just had bad experiences with large pneumos,
>>that's all, and they take forever to aspirate!
>>>Adrian Fogarty
>>
>
I can recommend a method for quick, easy "aspiration" of a pneumothorax, learned
from Ayman Jundi, Consultant in A&E here in Preston.
Insert the cannula with 3-way tap, syringe attached to the in-line port, and
tubing to underwater seal to the side port. Confirm placement by aspiration
of air. Then get the patient to cough.....depending on the size of the pneumothorax
a guestimate of the number of vital capacity breaths/coughs needed to expel
the pleural air can be made. If air bubbling on coughing persists after this
you know a broncopleural fistula is present and a drain is needed.
Very quick and simple, and because that laborious task of aspirating air, turning
tap, expeling air repeatedly is not needed, less chance of dislodging the cannula
or kinking.
Marten Howes,
Preston
http://www.doctors.net.uk by doctors, for doctors
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