Medical instrumentation
-
The pathophysiology of a tension pneumothorax relates to ventilation and cardiac output. The insertion of a large-bore needle or medium-bore catheter into the affected pleural cavity rapidly accomplishes decompression. ⋯ The dart is inserted into the secondary costal space, mid-clavicular line, or the fourth intercostal space mid-axillary line. Proper identification of the indications for use of this device is often difficult in the prehospital setting.