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Paul A. Kirschner, MD
New York

JAMA. 1975;232(1):20.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

Needle thoracentesis runs a high risk of iatrogenically produced pneumothorax caused by puncture of the expanding lung. As a thoracic surgeon, I am all too frequently called on to insert a chest tube to expand the collapsed lung.

This problem can be almost completely eliminated by using the commercially available intravenous catheter (Bardic 1814R inside needle catheter with stylet; needle gauge, 14; catheter length, 30.5 cm) or its equivalent, attached to a three-way stopcock and syringe.

Once the catheter has been introduced, the danger of puncturing the underlying lung is eliminated. The patient need not be immobile or fear to cough. Aspiration is more thorough. Medication such as quinacrine (Atabrine) hydrochloride can be introduced with ease. The physician is more comfortable.

This technique has been applied to pericardiocentesis,¹ with the same salutary results, so as to avoid lacerating the heart. . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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