Percutaneous pigtail catheter in the treatment of pneumothorax in major burns: the best alternative? Case report and review of literature.

Multiple factors place burn patients at a high risk of pneumothorax development. Currently, no specific recommendations for the management of pneumothorax in large total body surface area (TBSA) burn patients exist. We present a case of a major burn patient who developed pneumothorax after central line insertion. After the traditional large bore (24 Fr) chest tube failed to resolve the pneumothorax, the pneumothorax was ultimately managed by a percutaneous placed pigtail catheter thoracostomy placement and resulted in its complete resolution. We will review the current recommendations of pneumothorax treatment and will highlight on the use of pigtail catheters in pneumothorax management in burn patients.

Pulmonary embolism in burns, is there an evidence based prophylactic recommendation? Case report and review of literature.

Burn patients exhibit an acquired hypercoagulable state with increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Currently, no randomized control study assessing the efficacy of chemical venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in burn patients has been performed. We present a case of a morbidly (body mass index>54kg/m(2)) obese patient with 18% total body surface area (TBSA) burn who developed a VTE and a non-fatal submassive pulmonary embolus (PE). We will be reviewing the current consensus of venous thrombosis prophylaxis in burn patients and briefly discuss the treatment of PE in this population.

Noise levels in a burn intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Increased noise levels in hospitals, critical care units, and peri-operative areas have been associated with higher levels of sleep deprivation and patient stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines stipulate a limit of 35 decibels (dB(A)) equivalent continuous sound level (LEq) during the day and 30 dB(A) LEq at night in patients' rooms. To date, no quantitative studies of noise levels have been performed in burn units. The objective of this study was to quantify noise levels in a burn critical care unit to ascertain compliance with guidelines in order to minimize this potential insult. METHODS: An A-weighted sound pressure level meter was used to measure the ambient noise levels in a burn intensive care unit. Maximum and minimum sound pressure levels were measured at 30-min intervals on 10 days over a 1 month period. Measurements were obtained during shift changes and random times during the day and night-time. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, to calculate means and standard deviations. Noise measurements at specified times were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Mean dB(A) LEq values for shift changes, day, and night-time were 65.9 ± 2.8, 65.7 ± 2.6, and 60.9 ± 5.2 dB(A), respectively. There was no significant difference in dB(A)(max) or dB(A)(min) between shift changes, day or night-time (p>0.05). However, night-time minimum values were consistently lower. There was no significant difference between sound pressure level (SPL) inside and outside patients' rooms (p>0.05) at any time. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of time or location, the mean dB(A) LEq in the burn unit was significantly greater than World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations. Guidelines for decreasing noise exposure are necessary to reduce potential negative effects on patients, visitors, and staff.

Traumatic innominate artery pseudoaneurysm in the setting of a bovine arch.

Blunt traumatic injury of the innominate artery occurs infrequently but is commonly lethal. Bovine aortic arch anatomy is a predisposition to this injury. Clinical findings, chest X-ray, and computerized tomography may suggest the diagnosis, and it may be confirmed with angiography. Both interposition and bypass grafting are operative repair methods of choice. EEG monitoring confirms cerebral perfusion, thereby allowing the deferment of shunts and cardiovascular bypass with hypothermic arrest. We report a case of traumatic innominate artery pseudoaneurysm in the setting of "bovine aortic arch" anatomy, together with multiple associated injuries, including descending aorta transection. We also review the current literature on the topic.