Open pneumothorax or sucking chest wound
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Full-thickness loss of the chest wall: free communication between the pleural space and the atmosphere.
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Collapse of the lung on the injured side
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If the diameter of the injury is greater than the narrowest portion of the upper airway, air will preferentially move through the injury
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Impairs ventilation on the contralateral side
Management
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Complete occlusion of the injury may result in converting an open pneumothorax into a tension pneumothorax.
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Initial treatment: occlusive dressing, which is taped on three sides over the wound.
- Dressing permits effective ventilation, while the untaped side allows accumulated air to escape from the pleura.
- Definitive treatment: wound closure and tube thoracostomy
