Expert intercostal drainage procedures for pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax management using advanced techniques, ultrasound guidance, and comprehensive patient care protocols.
Intercostal Drainage (ICD) is a life-saving medical procedure that involves inserting a tube between the ribs into the pleural space to drain air, fluid, or blood. This procedure helps restore normal lung function by allowing the lung to re-expand and relieving pressure in the chest cavity.
ICD insertion can be performed as an emergency life-saving procedure or as a planned elective intervention. Our clinic is equipped to handle both scenarios with expert medical team and state-of-the-art equipment available 24/7.
Applications: Hemothorax, thick pleural effusions, empyema with loculations
Advantages: Rapid drainage, suitable for thick fluids, effective for emergency situations
Insertion: Blunt dissection technique, usually 4th-6th intercostal space
Applications: Simple pneumothorax, serous pleural effusions, malignant effusions
Advantages: Less invasive, reduced pain, lower complication rates, patient comfort
Insertion: Seldinger technique, ultrasound or CT guidance
Applications: Recurrent pleural effusions, palliative drainage, outpatient management
Advantages: Minimal invasiveness, suitable for repeated procedures, excellent patient tolerance
Special Features: Coiled tip prevents displacement, image-guided placement
Applications: Malignant pleural effusions, end-stage heart failure, frequent recurrences
Advantages: Long-term drainage, home management possible, improved quality of life
Management: Weekly drainage, infection prevention protocols, patient/family training
Clinical Evaluation: Detailed history, physical examination, vital signs assessment, respiratory status evaluation.
Imaging Review: Recent chest X-ray, CT scan interpretation, ultrasound assessment for optimal insertion site
Positioning: Sitting upright or lateral decubitus position based on clinical condition and drainage site.
Preparation: IV access, baseline monitoring, coagulation status check, informed consent documentation
Anatomical Landmarks: Safe triangle identification (anterior axillary line, mid-axillary line, 5th intercostal space).
Ultrasound Guidance: Real-time imaging for optimal site selection, depth measurement, vessel/organ avoidance
Anesthesia: Progressive infiltration with lidocaine from skin to pleura, ensuring complete pain control.
Sterile Field: Full sterile draping, surgical scrub, sterile gown and gloves, antiseptic skin preparation
Blunt Dissection: Layer-by-layer dissection through chest wall, finger exploration of pleural space for safety.
Tube Placement: Gentle insertion, proper positioning (apical for air, dependent for fluid), secure anchoring
Drainage System: Connection to underwater seal or digital drainage system, suction application if indicated.
Immediate Assessment: Chest X-ray confirmation, drainage output measurement, patient comfort evaluation
Call immediately if experiencing:
Need urgent ICD insertion or consultation? Our team is available for emergency procedures.
Urgent ConsultationProfessional intercostal drainage with advanced techniques, comprehensive monitoring, and expert post-procedure care for optimal patient outcomes and safety.
Get Detailed Information