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DOI: 10.1177/000992289103000204 Clinical Evaluation of a New Chest Tube Used in NeonatesDivision of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Current addresses: James Nelson, M.D., Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Methodist Hospital North, 3960 New Covington Pike, Memphis, TN
Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA We report preliminary experience with a newly designed chest tube (JCT), for evacuation of neonatal pneumothorax. The catheter has a unique pigtail configuration at the distal end, intended to simplify placement and minimize chest wall and lung trauma by reduced tube size and depth and insertion. Thirty-eight JCTs were placed in neonates with pneumothoraces. Neonates' birth weights ranged from 400 to 3,595 grams. All 38 tubes immediately relieved clinical signs of pneumothoraces. Thirty-five (92%) tubes immediately fully evacuated the pneumothoraces as evidences on chest radiograph. Twelve pneumothoraces partially reoccurred at a mean of 24 hours following JCT placement. These tubes were either irrigated or replaced. This newly configured chest tube functions effectively in the treatment of neonatal pneumothorax.
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