Finding the fifth intercostal space for chest drain insertion: guidelines and ultrasound

Abstract

Current guidelines often identify a safe site for chest drain insertion, although the same site is not reproducibly found. In addition, women appear to be at risk of subdiaphragmatic drain insertion when the nipple is used to identify the fifth intercostal space. Real-time ultrasonography can be used to confirm the intercostal space during this procedure, although a safe guideline is still needed for circumstances in which ultrasound is not possible.