- Temple EM
Needle Decompression Failure
Article:
Chest Wall Thickness and Decompression Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Anatomic Locations in Needle Thoracotomy. Injury 2015
Idea:
Meta analysis of trials assessing chest wall thickness as well as the success rates of needle thoracotomy at different anatomical sites on chest wall.
Study:
15 studies studying chest wall thickness.
13 studies studying effectiveness of needle thoracotomy by anatomical site with 5cm angiocath.
Findings:
Chest wall thickness is least at the 4/5th intercostal space in the anterior axillary line
The failure rate was least for needle insertion when using the 4/5th intercostal space in the anterior axillary line.
Takeaways:
Consider using the 4/5th intercostal space in the anterior axillary line when needle decompressing, as it is thinner than the 2nd intercostal mid axillary and has a lower failure rate.