The Journal of critical illness
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Small-catheter aspiration may be preferable to chest tube drainage in many patients with primary spontaneous or iatrogenic pneumothoraces, as well as in some patients with pneumothoraces resulting from minor trauma. It is also less invasive than chest tube drainage, allows greater control over the rate of air removal, and produces less patient discomfort. ⋯ Addition of a Heimlich valve (with or without a suction device) permits continued air removal. Complications are infrequent and generally minor.