Methods: In this randomized-controlled pilot, surgery residents (n=14) participated in standardized thoracostomy tube placement (SimMan) and bronchoscopy (EndoscopyVR) simulation scenarios. Traditional vital-sign monitors were available 90 degrees from the operative field during all procedures, and residents were additionally randomized with or without continuous wireless vital-sign streaming t...

Intrapleural instillation of thrombolytic agents has been useful in the treatment of hemothorax when thoracostomy tube drainage is unsuccessful. We present a patient who developed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure following the intrapleural instillation of both streptokinase and urokinase 24 h apart. Hypoxemia most likely resulted from a direct effect of the products of fibrinolysis on the pu...

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has recently been introduced as a palliative treatment for patients with severe emphysema. The most common postoperative complication is persistent air leak requiring prolonged tube thoracostomy. We describe a unique case of a patient with severe emphysema who underwent LVRS and presented, about a year later, with the repeated expectoration of surgical staples.