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Needle ThoracentesisAka: Needle Thoracostomy, Needle Decompression

Indications
1. Tension Pneumothorax
Technique
1. Equipment
  1. Size 14 gauge over the needle angiocatheter (5 cm)
2. Insertion site
  1. Second intercostal space (at angle of manubrium)
  2. Insert immediately OVER 3rd rib in midclavicular line
Follow-up
1. Requires Chest Tube placement

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.