GuidelineCurrent
BTS 2023 — British Thoracic Society Guideline for Pleural Disease
British Thoracic Society, 2023
Small-bore chest drains (10-14 Fr) are recommended as first-line for secondary spontaneous and iatrogenic pneumothoraces requiring intervention. Tension pneumothorax mandates immediate needle or finger decompression in the 2nd intercostal space MCL or 4th/5th ICS AAL without awaiting radiographic confirmation.
Strong recommendationHigh certainty
View source guidelineClinical Context & Relevant Topics (2)
Disease ReferencePneumothorax & Barotrauma in Critical Care
Tension physiology, point-of-care ultrasound diagnosis, needle/finger/tube thoracostomy, and management of bronchopleural fistulas on mechanical ventilation.
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Chest Tube & Pleural Drain Management
Ultrasound-guided pleural drain selection, insertion safety, troubleshooting and complication management in critically ill adults.
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