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chest tube
Drainage tube inserted into the pleural space to remove air or fluid from around the lungs.
Full Definition
Chest tube placement in neonates involves insertion of a small drainage catheter into the pleural space to treat pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or hemothorax. The procedure requires precise anatomical knowledge due to the small size of neonatal patients, with tubes typically placed in the second intercostal space for air or fifth intercostal space for fluid. The tube is connected to a closed drainage system with suction to re-expand the lung and prevent recurrence.
Usage
Usage note: Document tube size, insertion site, and drainage output. Monitor for proper positioning on chest X-ray.
In Context
- "Emergency chest tube placement was performed for tension pneumothorax in the left hemithorax." — emergency procedure note
- "The chest tube output decreased to less than 1 mL/kg/day, indicating readiness for removal." — surgical progress note
Also known as
thoracostomy tube
pleural drain
Don't confuse with
needle decompression
pigtail catheter