Analyzing thoracic cavity gas during pneumothorax treatment to monitor the pneumothorax conditions in real time for updating the treatment strategy: A pilot study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo monitor the pneumothorax conditions in real time by analyzing thoracic cavity gas during pneumothorax treatment, and provide instructions for updating the treatment strategy.MethodsThe partial pressures of O2and CO2in the thoracic cavity from 49 pneumothorax patients was analyzed before the management and after chest tube clogging during the management. The pneumothorax type was differentially diagnosed according to the partial pressure results, and the treatment strategy was updated accordingly.ResultsThe 49 pneumothorax patients were divided into four groups, as follows: Group A, 30 patients with a closed pneumothorax were confirmed to have a closed pneumothorax in the second analysis; Group B, 10 patients with an open pneumothorax were confirmed to have an open pneumothorax in the second analysis; Group C, three patients with a tension pneumothorax confirmed to have a tension pneumothorax in the second analysis; and Group D, six patients with a closed pneumothorax were re-diagnosed to have an open pneumothorax in the second analysis. The cure rates of the four groups after treatment were as follows: Group A (97%, 29/30), Group B (100%, 16/16), Group C (100%, 3/3) and Group D (100%, 6/6).ConclusionsAnalyzing thoracic cavity gas during pneumothorax treatment is suggested as an efficient way to monitor the pneumothorax conditions in real time and to provide instructions for updating the treatment strategy.