Angled chest tube

Q: 'Angled' chest tubes are best suited to reach which pleural area?

Answer: Posterior costophrenic sulcus

Posterior costophrenic sulcus is the recess area between the ribs and the lateral-most portion of the diaphragm, partially occupied by the most caudal part of the lung

Despite placement of straight chest tubes of bigger diameter, fluid from the posterior costophrenic sulcus can not be drained properly. Angled chest tubes are appropriate to properly drained this obscure area. 

#procedure


Reference:

Yu H. Management of pleural effusion, empyema, and lung abscess. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2011;28(1):75–86. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1273942