| open pneumothorax n. A free communication between the exterior and the pleural space either via the lung or through the chest wall, as through an open wound. Also called blowing wound, sucking wound. |
open pneumothorax
Etymology: AS, open + Gk, pneuma, air, thorax, chest
the presence of air or gas in the chest as a result of an open wound in the chest wall.
pneumothorax
entry of air into the pleural cavity in sufficient quantity to cause collapse of the lung and consequent respiratory embarrassment. If it is unilateral there is a mediastinal shift with displacement of the heart to the other side of the chest. Breath sounds are absent from the affected side.
)
Pneumothorax. By permission from Ettinger SJ, Feldman E, Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Saunders, 2004
closed pneumothorax
air leaks from a discontinuity in the lung into the pleural cavity.
false pneumothorax
artifactual increased radiolucency of the thorax resembling free air in the pleural cavity.
iatrogenic pneumothorax
may occur following intrathoracic surgery or in association with procedures which involve entry into the pleural cavity, such as thoracentesis or placement of a chest drain.
open pneumothorax
caused by an open wound in the chest wall.
spontaneous pneumothorax
due to an unknown cause.
tension pneumothorax
a particularly dangerous form of pneumothorax that occurs when air escapes into the pleural cavity from a bronchus but cannot regain entry into the bronchus. As a result, continuously increasing air pressure in the pleural cavity causes progressive collapse of the lung tissue. If not relieved, it can lead to lung collapse and mediastinal shift.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|