nvic academy

The insertion of a pleural chest tube is often done in a setting where immediate action is required. Nonetheless, adherence to sterility, analgesia, sound technique, and safety are always warranted. Indications The most common indications for chest-tube drainage are: Pneumothorax that is recurrent, persistent, under tension, or bilateral; any pneumothorax in a patient on positive-pressure ventilation; hemothorax; recurrent or symptomatic large pleural effusion; empyema; and chylothorax. Contraindications There are relative contraindications, mainly based on hematologic abnormalities such as bleeding diatheses or coagulopathy.