Iatrogenic tension pneumothorax complicating outpatient heimlich valve chest drainage

Abstract

Use of new technology makes possible the outpatient management of conditions previously requiring inpatient treatment. With increased use of such modalities comes a greater chance that the emergency physician will encounter patients with device-related complications. We report a case of such a complication, a tension pneumothorax presenting to the emergency department following misguided manipulation of a modified Heimlich chest drainage system. It is recommended that physicians opting to utilize such out-patient technology refrain from improvised modifications that may be unfamiliar to subsequent providers.