Usefulness of a mobile phone with video telephony in identifying the correct landmark for performing needle thoracocentesis.

BACKGROUND: A needle thoracocentesis should be performed with maximal safety and optimal efficacy in mind. Mobile video telephony (VT) could be used to facilitate instructions for the accurate performance of needle thoracocentesis in an emergency setting. This new communication method will increase the accuracy of identifying the relevant anatomical site during the decompression technique. METHODS: A prospective randomised manikin study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of using VT as a method of instruction for the identification of anatomical landmarks during the performance of needle thoracocentesis. RESULTS: The overall success rate was significantly higher in the VT group which performed needle thoracocentesis under the guidance of VT than in the non-VT group who performed the procedure without VT-aided instruction. The instrument difficulty score and procedure satisfaction score were significantly lower in the VT group than in the non-VT group. CONCLUSION: Identification of the correct anatomical landmark for needle thoracocentesis can be performed with instructions provided via VT because a dispatcher can monitor every step and provide correct instructions. This new technology will improve critical care medicine.