The level of integrated phrenic nerve activity (C3 root) has been studied under various forms of impairment of respiratory muscle function, such as paralysis (gallamine), pneumothorax and phrenectomy. Experiments were performed in two groups of rabbits artificially ventilated by means of the conventional respirator and the phrenic nerve driven respirator. It was found that both paralysis and bi...

Four thoracic evacuation techniques for pneumothorax elimination after diaphragmatic defect closure were compared in 40 canine cadavers. After creating a defect in the left side of the diaphragm, thoracic drainage was performed by thoracostomy tube insertion through the defect and a small (DD-SP) or large (DD-LP) puncture created in the caudal mediastinum, or through both the diaphragmatic defe...

BACKGROUND Treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) involves thoracostomy tube (TT) drainage, with surgery reserved for persistent or recurrent air leaks. We hypothesized that the advent of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) would change indications and outcomes for surgical treatment of SP in our centre. METHODS We performed a retrospective (1993-2003) review of children treate...

conclusions in cases of pontaneous pneumothorax, chest x ray and computerised tomographic scan have limitations. ct scan in combination with video assisted thoracoscopic surgery improves diagnostic accuracy and facilitates appropriate management of non-resolving spontaneous pneumothorax. objectives a 15 year old boy presented to the referring hospital with a right sided spontaneous pneumothorax...

spontaneous pneumothorax can be either primary due to the rupture of subpleural bleb or secondary due to underlying lung disease, usually bullous emphysema. 1 relatively little is known about the causative factors of spontaneous pneumothorax in arab countries. 1 this is the first study and the primary step towards understanding the risk factors and causes of spontaneous pneumothorax in syria. s...