Failure of First Attempt Needle Decompression in Tension Pneumothorax: Case Report

Tension pneumothorax can occur as a potentially life threatening complication of chest trauma. is commonly treated with needle decompression, both the 2nd intercostal space in midclavicular line and 4th/5th anterior axillary. A 45 years old man came to our emergency department after blunt injury presenting tension unstable hemodynamic decompression using 14 gauge (4.5 cm) cannula at mid clavicular line, patient successfully recover became stable, 30 minutes successful experienced recurrent pneumothorax. Several studies show failure it may due several factor such wall thickness, length, location decompression. In this case has insufficient length pass through full thickness patient’s (ICS 2) makes air leaks from lung faster than escape cannula.