Affiliation:
1. Departments of Neurosurgery and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Abstract
Advanced practice coordinators who perform procedures that may be associated with complications must be proficient at treating those untoward events. This discussion reviews the diagnosis of a pneumothorax as a complication of insertion of a central venous catheter and mechanical ventilation. The method for inserting the Wayne Pneumothorax Set thoracic catheter is presented. This and similar commercially available catheters may also be used to evacuate a pleural effusion or nonclotted blood from the thorax for diagnostic purposes or when treating hypoxemia. It is essential for organ procurement organizations to provide appropriate training and quality assurance programs to ensure safe practice.