Pigtail catheters used in the treatment of pneumothoraces in the neonate

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.