Pigtail catheters used in the treatment of pneumothoraces in the neonate

Leigh Ann Cates

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Air leak in the neonatal population can be a deadly situation. Neonates have many risk factors thatcan contribute to air leak. These include, but are notlimited to, respiratory distress syndrome; mechanicalventilation; sepsis; pneumonia; aspiration of meconiumblood, or amniotic fluid; and congenital malformations. Inthe NICU, the staff must be prepared to diagnose andtreat pneumothoraces in a timely mannerPathophysiology of air leaks in the neonate including theanatomy of the chest and diagnosis, indications, andcommon methods for the treatment of a pneumothorax inan infant is explained in this article. In addition, the latestform of treatment for neonates, known as the modifiedpigtail catheter, is described. A comprehensive literaturereview of the evidence behind the use of the pigtailcatheter in neonates will be incorporated. Finally, thestep-by-step placement of this catheter using the modifiedSeldinger technique will be illustrated and described indetail.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7-16
Number of pages10
JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2009

Keywords

  • Air leaks
  • Chest x-ray
  • Intercostal space
  • NICU
  • Pigtail catheter
  • Pneumothorax
  • Point of maximal impulse
  • Pulmonary interstitial emphysema
  • Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Thoracotomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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