Risk Of Pneumothorax Research Articles

Usefulness of Saline Sealing in Preventing Pneumothorax after CT-Guided Biopsies of the Lung

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of saline sealing in reducing the incidence of pneumothorax after a CT-guided lung biopsy. This was a retrospective case-control study of patients who underwent CT-guided biopsies for lung tumors using 18 G semiautomatic core needles in conjunction with 17 G coaxial needles. The patients were divided into two consecutive groups: a historical Group A (n = 111), who did not receive saline sealing, and Group B (n = 87), who received saline sealing. In Group B, NaCl 0.9% was injected through the coaxial needle upon its removal. The incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube insertion was compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to verify the contribution of other pneumothorax risk factors. The study included 198 patients, with 111 in Group A and 87 in Group B. There was a significantly (p = 0.02) higher pneumothorax rate in Group A (35.1%, n = 39) compared to Group B (20.7%, n = 18). The difference regarding chest tube insertion was not significant (p = 0.1), despite a tendency towards more insertions in Group A (5.4%, n = 6), compared to Group B (1.1%, n = 1). Among the risk factors for pneumothorax, only the presence of emphysema (OR = 3.5, p = 0.0007) and belonging to Group A (OR = 2.2, p = 0.02) were significant. Saline sealing of the needle tract after a CT-guided lung biopsy can significantly reduce the incidence of pneumothorax. This technique is safe, readily available, and inexpensive, and should be considered as a routine preventive measure during this procedure.

Vascular access in cardiac implantable electronic devices: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Abstract Background Despite the increasing number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) implantations worldwide, gaps in the evidence base on the optimal venous access to perform the procedure still exist and direct comparisons of different techniques are lacking. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the acute and long-term safety and efficacy of the three main vascular access modalities (i.e. subclavian vein puncture [SVP], cephalic vein cut-down [CVC], axillary vein puncture [AVP]) used during CIEDs implantations. Methods A systematic review of the literature and network meta-analysis were performed searching Pubmed/MEDLINE databases for relevant articles using the following search strategy, without language restrictions: ((cardiac implantable device) OR (pacemaker) OR (ppm) OR (defibrillator) OR (icd) OR (resynchronization) OR (crt)) AND ((venous access) OR (subclavian) OR (axillary) OR (cephalic)). Randomized and non-randomized studies comparing one or more of the outcomes of interest, between at least two discernible groups (SVP, CVC and AVP), were included in the present analysis and SVP competitive arm was used as the reference group. The primary endpoints were safety outcomes, which included: 1) pneumothorax, 2) pocket haematoma, 3) lead failure, including both acute (dislodgment) and chronic (fracture, subclavian crush syndrome) events, 4) infective complications. Success rate, defined either by successful cannulation of the vein or by successful lead placement was a secondary outcome. Results Forty studies (33, 83% non-randomized) were selected and a total of 166782 patients (median age 69.2 years, 65.2% males) followed up for a median of 18 months (IQR 11-51) were included. Both AVP and CVC showed a significant reduction in the risk of pneumothorax compared to SVP (AVP: OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.05-0.28; CVC: OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.15-0.22) but no significant differences between treatment arms concerning bleedings (AVP: OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.52; 2.37; CVC OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.60; 1.88) or infective complications (AVP: OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.47- 2.14; CVC OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.31-1.44) were observed. Compared to SVP, AVP was significantly superior concerning the risk of lead failure (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.67) while CVC showed a nearly statistically significant reduction in risk of lead complications (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.52-1.02), see figure 1. Success rate did not differ significantly between treatments arms albeit CVC showed a trend towards a higher risk of need for alternate venous access compared to AVP (3.56, 95% CI 0.89-14.21). Conclusions Considering the lower risk of pneumothorax and lead failure, AVP and CVC should be preferred over SVP to achieve venous access during CIEDs implantation taking into account the higher success rates associated with AVP.Figure 1

Risk of pneumothorax in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome during pregnancy and birth.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is a genetic disorder characterized by fibrofolliculomas, renal cell cancer and lung cysts. Patients are at risk to develop pneumothorax but the magnitude of this risk during pregnancy is unknown. Information was obtained from 46 women with BHDS that had at least one pregnancy (BHDS-with preg), 18 female BHDS relatives without pregnancies (BHDS-no preg) and 25 non-BHDS female relatives with at least one pregnancy (noBHDS-with preg). In total, 77 pneumothoraces occurred in the BHDS-with preg group (mean 1.7/patient) and 11 in the BHDS-no preg group. Comparison of patient years for the first two groups showed pneumothorax incidence rates of 0.054 and 0.016, respectively. The incidence rate difference was significant [0.038 (CI 0.02-0.057), value of p-value 0.0001]. This difference is not caused by an increased number of patients with pneumothorax but by an increased number of pneumothoraces per patient. Pregnancy in BHDS therefore might be a risk factor for multiple pneumothoraces.

Presentation and management of pneumomediastinum in patients with COVID-19 infection

Pneumomediastinum, characterized by the presence of air in the mediastinum, can be primary (spontaneous) or secondary. Although relatively rare and usually benign with an incidence of 1 in 7,000 to 12,000 hospital admissions, some cases can develop hemodynamic instability due to mechanical pressure, reducing venous return and may require emergency surgery. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of tension pneumomediastinum were infrequent, and there was no consensus on the best surgical approach to manage this condition. This review considers the diverse presentations, underlying causes, and diagnostic and operative approaches in patients with COVID-19 infection and pneumomediastinum. A systematic search of databases, including PubMed and Scopus, was conducted. Articles were reviewed to identify the risk factors for pneumomediastinum, the hemodynamic consequences, and approaches to management in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases. In patients with COVID-19 infection, pneumomediastinum represents a risk factor for poor outcomes, especially in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. In patients with tension pneumomediastinum, surgical release of mediastinal air is essential and can use suprasternal incisions, lateral sternal incisions, or sternotomy, all with drains. These patients are also at increased risk for tension pneumothorax and may require surgical chest tubes.
 
 Keywords: Pneumomediastinum, COVID-19, hemodynamics, surgical management, clinical challenges

Ultrasound versus computed tomography-guided transthoracic biopsy for pleural and peripheral lung lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

An accurate diagnosis of peripheral lung and pleural lesions using image-guided transthoracic biopsy procedure becomes a good diagnostic performance protocol. To examine the difference between ultrasonography (USG)-guided versus computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic biopsy for pleural and peripheral lung lesions by pooling data from published studies. PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for comparative studies up to 20 February 2023 irrespective of the language of publication. The outcomes were adequacy of the sample and complications (pneumothorax and hemothorax). Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight non-RCTs were eligible. The total sample size was 1618. Meta-analysis showed that there was no difference in the adequacy of the sample obtained by USG- or CT-guided biopsies; however, an analysis of only non-RCTs indicated better adequacy with USG. On pooled analysis of any pneumothorax, there was a lower risk associated with USG-guided biopsies, but the risk of pneumothorax requiring interventional treatment was not different in the two groups. Similarly, the pooled analysis also demonstrated a reduced risk of hemothorax with USG-guided biopsies. While there seems to be no difference in the adequacy of the sample obtained with either imaging modality, retrospective data show that USG guidance offers better diagnostic yield compared to CT guidance for peripheral lung and pleural biopsies. The risk of pneumothorax and hemothorax is also significantly lower with USG-guided biopsies. Results should be interpreted with caution owing to selection bias among studies. There is a need for large-scale RCTs to enhance current evidence.

Percutaneous core-needle biopsy before and immediately after coaxial microwave ablation in solid non-small cell lung cancer: the comparison of genomic testing from specimens

PurposeTo compare the genomic testing based on specimens obtained from percutaneous core-needle biopsy (CNB) before and immediately after coaxial microwave ablation (MWA) in solid non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to investigate the diagnostic performance of CNB immediately after coaxial MWA in solid NSCLC.MethodsCoaxial MWA and CNB were performed for NSCLC patients, with a power of 30 or 40 watts (W) in MWA between the pre- and post-ablation CNB, followed by continuous ablation after the second CNB on demand. The paired specimens derived from the same patient were compared for pathological diagnosis and genomic testing. DNA/RNA extracted from the paired specimens were also compared.ResultsA total of 33 NSCLC patients with solid lesions were included. There were two patients (6.1%) without atypical cells and three patients (9.1%) who had the technical failure of genomic testing in post-ablation CNB. The concordance rate of pathological diagnosis between the twice CNB was 93.9% (kappa = 0.852), while that of genomic testing was 90.9% (kappa = 0.891). For the comparisons of DNA/RNA extracted from pre- and post-ablation CNB in 30 patients, no significant difference was found when the MWA between twice CNB has a power of 30 or 40 W and ablation time within five minutes (P = 0.174).ConclusionsIf the pre-ablation CNB presented with a high risk of pneumothorax or hemorrhage, the post-ablation CNB could be performed to achieve accurate pathological diagnosis and genomic testing and the maximum effect of ablation, which might allow for the diagnosis of genomic testing in 90.9% of solid NSCLC.

Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Patients with Silicosis.

Background and aims: Patients with silicosis are at increased risk of pneumothorax. However, the true incidence of pneumothorax in these patients is yet unknown. Our objective was to study the proportion of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) in patients with silicosis who present with acute respiratory deterioration. We also analyzed the risk factors, clinical course, actual management, and treatment outcomes of pneumothorax in patients with silicosis. Materials and methods: It was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of hundred silicosis patients presenting with any acute worsening respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, and chest pain) warranting admission were enrolled. A detailed history, clinical examination, and radiological investigations were done in all cases. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in this study. The mean age of subjects was 51.6 years. Breathlessness was the most common presenting symptom followed by chest pain. A total of 43 (43%) patients had pneumothorax at presentation. Right-sided pneumothorax was seen in 26 (26%) cases, left-sided in 11 (11%) cases, and six patients (6%) had bilateral pneumothorax. No significant correlation of smoking with pneumothorax was observed in the present study. Around 42% of patients had pulmonary tuberculosis which was microbiologically confirmed. Conclusion: The present study emphasizes that all patients of silicosis who present with acute worsening shortness of breath and or chest pain need to be evaluated for pneumothorax. How to cite this article: Bairwa M, Sharma A, Luniwal M. Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Patients with Silicosis. J Assoc Physicians India 2023;71(10):64-66.

Comparison of Safety of Leadless Pacemakers and Transvenous Pacemakers: A Meta-Analysis.

Pacemakers have been accessible for six decades, and clearly defined criteria for pacemaker implantation have been established. Within the contemporary clinical practice, two dependable pacing platforms exist leadless pacemakers and transvenous pacemakers. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the safety of leadless pacemakers to transvenous pacemakers.This meta-analysis adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 framework.A comprehensive and systematic search was conducted across various databases including Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, spanning from inception to August 15, 2023.The primary outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis were total complications, all-cause mortality, and device-related complications. Furthermore, secondary outcomes evaluated encompassed the need for reintervention, occurrences of pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, endocarditis, hemothorax, and hematoma. Total 17 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The findings of this study showed that patients with leadless pacemakers had a lower risk of total complications, device-related complications, pneumothorax, and endocarditis. The risk of reintervention was significantly lower in the leadless pacemaker group. However, compared to a transvenous pacemaker, the risk of pericardial effusion was significantly higher in the leadless pacemaker group.It is important to acknowledge the limitations arising from the lack of extensive long-term follow-up data for leadless pacemakers. As technology evolves, continued research will be essential in uncovering the full spectrum of prolonged complications associated with these devices.

Combined indocyanine green and medical glue enables stable and precise position in animal studies: promising for fluorescence-guided pulmonary ground glass nodule resection.

Accurate preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules is crucial for surgical treatment. The use of indocyanine green (ICG) for localization is prone to thoracic contamination and spread, resulting in the eventual failure of localization. By using medical glue combined with ICG, we can accurately and permanently locate various tissues in animal study, which can provide evidences for clinical translations. A series of medical glue and ICG volume ratios of 2:3, 3:3, 4:3, 6:3, and 9:3 were mixed and injected immediately into subcutaneous tissues of BALB/c nude mice; either medical glue or ICG was injected singly in the control group. Fluorescence intensity over time and boundary sharpness were investigated to determine the optimal ratio. Then, fluorescence guided resection of tissue was performed ex vivo on the pig intestine utilizing optimal ratio. Further, localization agents with the optimal ratio were injected into the organs of living mice, and fluorescence imaging for accurate positioning was performed 24 hours later. The localization agents with a volume ratio of 4:3 showed the best boundary sharpness and the strongest photostability. With the guidance of fluorescence navigation, the marked tissues were accurately separated and removed from the surrounding tissue both on mice and on pig intestines. In the organs of living mice, the localization agents (ratio 4:3) realized accurate positioning of marked tissues. Additionally, the medical glue limited the diffusion of ICG, promising to enable more stable and precise positioning of the nodules during surgery. The combination of ICG and medical glue presents a superior approach when compared to the individual use of either ICG or medical glue. This technique offers enhanced precision and durability and sealed the wound, thereby mitigating the risk of pneumothorax following puncture procedures. This innovative technique optimizes the properties of medical adhesive to augment tissue density while harnessing the real-time fluorescent endoscopic marking capabilities of ICG during surgical interventions. By employing this innovative technique, it holds significant promise for augmenting the accuracy of pulmonary nodule localization in thoracoscopic surgery within future clinical applications.

Transbronchial Cryobiopsy Is Superior to Forceps Biopsy for Diagnosing both Fibrotic and Non-Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Diseases

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) evaluation often requires lung biopsy for definite diagnosis. In recent years, transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) emerged as a procedure with higher diagnostic yield than transbronchial forceps biopsy (TBFB), especially for fibrotic ILDs. Nonetheless, studies comparing these modalities in non-fibrotic ILDs and for specific ILD diagnoses are scarce. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of TBCB and TBFB in patients with fibrotic and non-fibrotic ILDs. Method: An observational retrospective multicenter study including patients with ILD diagnosis by multidisciplinary discussion that underwent TBCB or TBFB between 2017 and 2021. Chest CT scans were reviewed by a chest radiologist. Biopsy specimens were categorized as diagnostic (with specific histological pattern), nondiagnostic, or without lung parenchyma. Nondiagnostic samples were reassessed by a second lung pathologist. TBCB and TBFB diagnostic yields were analyzed by multivariate regression. Procedural complications were evaluated as well. Results: 276 patients were included, 116 (42%) underwent TBCB and 160 (58%) TBFB. Fibrotic ILDs were present in 148 patients (54%). TBCB diagnostic yield was 78% and TBFB 48% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.2, 95% CI: 2.4–7.6, p < 0.01). The diagnostic yield of TBCB was higher than TBFB among patients with fibrotic ILD (AOR 3.8, p < 0.01), non-fibrotic ILD (AOR 5.8, p < 0.01), and across most ILD diagnoses. TBCB was associated with higher risk for significant bleeding (10% vs. 3%, p < 0.01), but similar risk for pneumothorax. Conclusions: Diagnostic yield of TBCB was superior to that of TBFB for both fibrotic and non-fibrotic ILDs, and across most diagnoses.

Machine-Learned Algorithms to Predict the Risk of Pneumothorax Requiring Chest Tube Placement after Lung Biopsy

PurposeTo develop a machine-learned algorithm to predict the risk of postlung biopsy pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (CTP) to facilitate preprocedural decision making, optimize patient care, and improve resource allocation. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study collected clinical and imaging features of biopsy samples obtained from patients with lung nodule biopsy and included information from 59 procedures resulting in pneumothorax requiring CTP and randomly selected 67 procedures without CTP (convenience sample). The data were divided into 70 and 30 as training and testing sets, respectively. Conventional machine-learned binary classifiers were explored with preprocedural imaging and clinical data as input features and CTP as the output. ResultsThere was no single pathognomonic imaging or predictive clinical feature. For the independent test set under the high-specificity mode, a decision tree, logistic regression, and Naïve Bayes classifier achieved accuracies of identifying CTP at 0.79, 0.93, and 0.89 and area under receiver operating curves (AUROCs) of 0.68, 0.76, and 0.82, respectively. Under high-sensitivity mode, a decision tree, logistic regression, and Naïve Bayes achieved accuracies of identifying CTP of 0.60, 0.45, and 0.60 with AUROCs of 0.71, 0.81, and 0.82, respectively. High importance features included lesion character, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lesion depth, and age. A coarse decision tree requiring 4 inputs achieved comparable performance as other methods and previous machine learning prediction studies. ConclusionsThe results support the possibility of predicting pneumothorax requiring CTP after biopsy based on an automated decision support, reliant on readily available preprocedural information.

Medical and surgical management of pneumothorax in diving and hyperbaric chambers

The presence of a pneumothorax within a pressurized chamber represents unique diagnostic and management challenges. This is particularly the case in the medical and geographic remoteness of many chamber locations. Upon commencing chamber decompression, unvented intrapleural air expands. If its initial volume and/or degree of chamber pressure reduction is significant enough, a tension pneumothorax will result. Numerous reports chronicle failure to diagnose and manage inchamber pneumothorax with resultant morbidity and one fatal outcome. Such cases have occurred in both medically remote and clinically based settings. This paper reviews pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax risk factors and clinical characteristics. It suggests primary medical management using the principle of oxygen-induced inherent unsaturation in concert with titrated chamber decompression designed to prevent intrapleural air expanding faster than it contracts. Should this conservative approach prove unsuccessful, and surgical venting becomes necessary or otherwise immediately indicated, interventional options are reviewed.

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax In Healthy Tall and Thin Male Secondary to Smoking: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) refers to the collapse of a lung without any underlying disease and is commonly observed in tall, thin young men, with smoking as an under-recognized risk factor. The management of PSP can vary significantly across different health centers. This case report highlights a young man with a pneumothorax without an underlying illness but has a smoking habit who initially gets treatment with an insertion of a chest tube.Case: This study focused on a 19-year-old man complaining of sudden right chest pain. The patient was a smoker for the past four years, and the examination showed hypersonic and vesicular loss on the right side. The laboratory tests revealed normal limits, and the sputum indicated the absence of tuberculosis. Chest X-ray showed an avascular radiolucent area in the right lung, and a Chest CT scan confirmed the presence of a hypodense area of air density in the right hemithorax. Right PSP was diagnosed and managed using a chest tube drainage on admission. After four days of treatment, he exhibited improvement and was discharged. A recurrence of pneumothorax was not discovered in the subsequent six-month follow-up period.Conclusion: Despite being a rare disorder, PSP should be considered during the physical examination of patients. It is also important to reassess the risk factors that can contribute to the onset of pneumothorax. The clinicians should be able to identify PSP and emphasize tall, thin, and young men at greater risk of pneumothorax in a pulmonary emergency.

Pulmonary Cryoablation Outcomes in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians with Primary Lung Cancer

PurposeTo characterize the effectiveness, safety, and length of stay (LOS) associated with pulmonary cryoablation for management of primary lung malignancies in patients aged ≥80 years. Materials and MethodsA retrospective single-center database was compiled of all consecutive patients aged ≥80 years who underwent percutaneous computed tomography–guided cryoablation using modified triple-freeze protocol (1–3 ablation probes) for Stage IA–IIB primary lung malignancies between March 2017 and March 2020 (n = 19; 53% women; mean age, 85 years ± 3.5; range, 80–94 years). Follow-up imaging was assessed for local recurrence. Adverse events and LOS were recorded from chart review. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess both overall and local recurrence–free survival. ResultsMean patient follow-up period was 21.6 months ± 10.8, and mean imaging follow-up period was 19.2 months ± 9.6. Overall survival at 3 years was 94% (95% CI, 81%–100%). Local recurrence–free survival was 100% throughout the imaging follow-up period. Intraprocedural pneumothorax occurred in 37% (7 of 19) of patients; pneumothorax risk was significantly associated with increased tumor distance from pleura (odds ratio, 1.2; P = .018). Sixty-three percent (12 of 19) of patients were discharged on the day of the procedure, with a mean LOS of 7.7 hours ± 1.6, whereas 37% of patients required overnight observation (2 of 19) or admission (5 of 19), with a mean LOS of 48.1 hours ± 19.4. Overall LOS for all patients was 22.6 hours ± 22.9. ConclusionsPercutaneous cryoablation of primary pulmonary malignancies can be performed in select octogenarians and nonagenarians with high 3-year overall and recurrence-free survival. Despite nonnegligible risk of pneumothorax, most patients are discharged on the day of the procedure.

Pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage frequency and risk factors of computed tomography-guided transthoracic pulmonary biopsy complications

Introduction: We aimed to analyze the frequency and risk factors of pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage caused by Computed Tomography (CT) guided needle biopsy. Methods: Demographical features, pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage frequencies/risk factors, characteristics of lesions of patients who underwent a CT-guided lung biopsy in our institution between January 2013 and August 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. The lesions were classified to the groups as nodular lesions≤3 cm in diameter, nodular lesions&gt;3 cm and consolidated lesions. Pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage frequencies among groups were compared using a chi-square test. A p&lt;0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: A total number of 122 patients with a mean age of 61±13 (19-88) years were included. 28 (23%) patients were female and 94 (77%) were male. 30 (24%) lesions were nodular lesions≤3 cm in diameter, 57 (47%) were nodular lesions&gt;3 cm, and 35 (29%) were consolidated lesions. Pneumothorax developed in 15 (12%) patients while a chest tube insertion was required in 4 (3%) of them. Pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 14 (11%) patients. Hemoptysis and hemothorax were not observed in this study. Pleura-based lesions was significantly less associated with pneumothorax when compared with ones far from pleura (P&lt;0.001). Usage of 17-gauge needle was significantly more associated with pneumothorax than 19-gauge (p:0.048). Pulmonary hemorrhage was significantly less observed during the biopsy of lesions&gt;3 cm than&lt;3 cm (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Nodular lesions≤3 cm, location far from pleura and usage of 17-gauge needle tend to be associated with more frequent lung biopsy complications.

Towards semi-automated pleural cavity access for pneumothorax in austere environments

Astronauts are at risk for pneumothorax, a condition where injury or disease introduces air between the chest wall and the lungs (i.e., the pleural cavity). In a worst-case scenario, it can rapidly lead to a fatality if left unmanaged and will require prompt treatment in situ if developed during spaceflight. Chest tube insertion is the definitive treatment for pneumothorax, but it requires a high level of skill and frequent practice for safe use. Physician astronauts may struggle to maintain this skill on medium- and long-duration exploration-class missions, and it is inappropriate for pure just-in-time learning or skill refreshment paradigms. This paper proposes semi-automating tool insertion to reduce the risk of complications in austere environments and describes preliminary experiments providing initial validation of an intelligent prototype system. Specifically, we showcase and analyse motion and force recordings from a sensorized percutaneous access needle inserted repeatedly into an ex vivo tissue phantom, along with relevant physiological data simultaneously recorded from the operator. When coupled with minimal just-in-time training and/or augmented reality guidance, the proposed system may enable non-expert operators to safely perform emergency chest tube insertion without the use of ground resources.

Score to Predict the Occurrence of Pneumothorax After Computed Tomography-guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Lung Biopsy.

The main objective of this study was to identify risk factors for post-percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy (PTLB) pneumothorax and to establish and validate a predictive score for pneumothorax occurrence to identify patients eligible for outpatient care. Patients who underwent PTLB between November 1, 2012 and March 1, 2017 were retrospectively evaluated for clinical and radiologic factors potentially related to pneumothorax occurrence. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors, and the model coefficient for each factor was used to compute a score. Then, a validation cohort was prospectively evaluated from March 2018 to October 2019. Among the 498 eligible patients in the study cohort, pneumothorax occurred in 124 patients (24.9%) and required drainage in 34 patients (6.8%). Pneumothorax risk factors were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 95% CI 2.28[1.18-4.43]), several passages through the pleura (OR 95% CI 7.71[1.95-30.48]), an anterior biopsy approach (OR 95% CI 6.36 3.82-10.58]), skin-to-pleura distance ≤30mm (OR 95% CI 2.25[1.09-6.65]), and aerial effusion >10mm (OR 95% CI 9.27 [5.16-16.65]). Among the 236 patients in the prospective validation cohort, pneumothorax occurred in 18% and 8% were drained. A negative score (<73 points) predicted a probability of pneumothorax occurrence of 7.4% and late evacuation of 2.5% (OR 95% CI respectively 0.18[0.08-0.39] and 0.15[0.04-0.55]) and suggested a reduced length of hospital stay (P=0.009). This predictive score for pneumothorax secondary to PTLB has high prognostic performance and accuracy to direct patients toward outpatient management. NCT03488043.

Persistent bilateral pneumothorax after robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair: possible relevance to recent esophageal cancer surgery — a case report

BackgroundPostoperative pneumothorax is a well-known but relatively rare complication after laparoscopic surgery. There has been no report describing pneumothorax that persisted for a week or more after laparoscopic surgery. Herein, we report a case of bilateral pneumothorax after laparoscopic surgery, which appears to have occurred by a different mechanism than previously described.Case presentationA 65-year-old male, with a past history of esophagectomy and retrosternal gastric tube reconstruction 4 months earlier, underwent a robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair. Postoperative chest x-rays revealed the development of bilateral pneumothorax, which became worse on postoperative day (POD) 1 and took more than 9 days to resolve spontaneously. We assumed that intra-abdominal gas replaced by the air after pneumoperitoneum might have migrated into thoracic cavities through an opened esophageal hiatus or along the retrosternal route.ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgery after radical esophagectomy may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative pneumothorax.

Self-taught ultrasound-guided axillary vein access for pacemaker implantations - complication rates and outcomes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are the mainstream therapy for advanced atrioventricular block or sustained ventricular arrhythmia. EHRA survey (1) showed that cephalic vein dissection and blind subclavian vein puncture are the preferred techniques for the implantation of CIED leads in European centres. Ultrasound (US) guided axillary puncture has emerged as feasible alternative for safe and rapid venous access for lead implantation. However, insufficient evidence to support its widespread adoption. Aim To compare the complication rates and clinical outcomes of CIED implantations utilising self-taught US guided axillary puncture versus non-US guided venous access (Subclavian puncture and fluroscopy guided axillary puncture). Assess the mean time to gain venous access and overall success rate in US guided technique. Methods Retrospective , observational study across two sites involving all CIED implantations of four experienced implanters over the year from January 2021 - June 2022. Patient's demographics, venous access time, complications and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic database. US axillary access technique was self-taught. Results and Outcomes Venous access was obtained by US Guided axillary puncture in 146 patients, non-US guided in 208 patients. Successful axillary venous access by ultrasound guidance is 97%(146/151) with mean time to venous access of 2.1 minutes. Baseline demographics (age, gender) and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, renal failure, oral steroid use, nicotine use) were similar between both US-guide and non-US guided groups, usage of oral anticoagulations (32.9% vs 39.4%,p=0.208) and antiplatelet agents(28.1% vs 35.1%,p=0.164) were not statistically different. Greater proportion of dual chamber pacemakers were implanted in US guided access group versus non-US guided (39.7% vs 27.9%,p=0.015). US Guided axillary access resulted in lower overall complication rate (2.1% vs 8.9%, p=0.0196): lower risk of pneumothorax (0% vs 3.8%,p=0.0236), lower risk of haemathoma (0% vs 3.4%,p=0.0448). No difference in short term pocket/lead infection or lead displacement. Severe vascular complications remains low in both groups. Stepwise binary regression analysis demonstrated US guidance as independent predictor of lower overall complication rate, odd-ratio 0.195 (95% CI 0.054 - 0.706). Summary: This multi-centered, retospective observational study demonstrated that US guided axillary access has high overall success rate, not time consuming and resulted in lower complication rates (especially pneumothorax and pocket haemathoma), despite the US access technique being self-taught and have greater proportion of dual chamber device implantations. US guided axillary access is demonstrated to be independently associated with 5-fold lower risk of complications.

Exons 1–3 deletion in FLCN is associated with increased risk of pneumothorax in Chinese patients with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome

BackgroundThe pathogenic variants responsible for Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) in folliculin (FLCN) gene mostly consist of point mutations. Although large intragenic deletions/duplications have been reported in several case reports, the relationship between large intragenic deletions/duplications and phenotype in BHDS remains unclear.MethodsWe retrospectively identified and reviewed patients with a large intragenic deletion spanning exons 1–3 and analyzed their phenotypic features to compare with those of point mutation carriers in our hospital from January 1, 2017 to August 31, 2022.ResultsTwenty unique point mutations (including 4 novel mutations) were detected in 62 patients from 45 families (90%). Exons 1–3 deletion were identified in 8 patients from 5 families (10%) that resided in the same region, Feidong County of Anhui Province, China. Breakpoint analysis indicated that all the deletion breakpoints were flanked by Alu repeats. The prevalence of exons 1–3 deletion carriers in Feidong County was 8.1-times higher than that for BHDS in Anhui Province, suggesting a clustered phenomenon of exons 1–3 deletion. Significantly increased risk of pneumothorax was observed in those with exons 1–3 deletion compared with point mutations (91% vs. 58%, p value 0.047). The risk of renal cancer may be higher in those with exons 1–3 deletion than for those with point mutations (18% vs. 4%, p > 0.05).ConclusionsLarge intragenic deletion of exons 1–3 in FLCN was identified as a local aggregation phenomenon in Feidong County, China, and was associated with a significantly higher risk of pneumothorax compared to those with point mutations.