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Date issued: June 2022

Review date: June 2024

Ref: B-484

PDF:  Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax final June 2022.pdf [pdf] 130KB

What is a primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax occurs when air escapes from the lung into the space surrounding it within the chest. This occurs when a hole develops in the lining of the lung (pleura). We call this “primary” when there is no known underlying problem with the lung and “spontaneous” when there has been no clear trigger (for example, no injury to the chest).

Why have I been sent home?

Standard practice has previously been that many people with a primary spontaneous pneumothorax would be admitted to hospital and in some cases, this is still necessary. However, healthcare professionals are constantly looking for ways to improve patient care and experience. Recent research has demonstrated that there are many people with a primary spontaneous pneumothorax who can be safely and effectively managed as outpatients. You have been carefully assessed and are safe to be managed in this way.

When will I be seen again?

You will be seen within 2 days by a doctor who specialises in managing this problem. This appointment will be in the hospital. If you have not heard about an appointment within 48 hours of discharge then please call the pleural team (between 9am and 5pm) on 01752 431496.  You will have a repeat chest x-ray and clinical assessment at that appointment.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

It is rare for someone to become unwell after the assessments you have had. It is normal to experience some continued chest pain due to the pneumothorax particularly when breathing in or around the pleural vent insertion site. This can be managed with pain killers such as paracetamol. You may also continue to feel slightly breathless.

If your breathlessness or chest pain is worsening since being sent home then you should return to the hospital Emergency Department.

What should I do if there is a problem with the pleural vent?

For those sent home with a pleural vent in place:

• If you think there is a problem with it AND you are feeling more unwell (severe pain or difficulty in breathing) then you should return to the Emergency Department or contact 999.

• If you think there is a problem with it but you do not feel more unwell then contact the pleural team (between 9am and 5pm) on 01752 431496.

• Please refer to the pleural vent information leaflet that you were given.

Useful Contacts

Emergency: 999

Pleural team: 01752 431496

Ambulatory Assessment Unit: 01752 433776 or 435614

Pleural Vent Information Guide

What is the Pleural Vent?

The Pleural Vent is a medical device used to treat pneumothorax (air around the outside of the lung). The Pleural Vent consists of a soft, thin catheter connected to a one-way valve inside a chamber. It allows air from the space around your lung to safely escape from the chest, helping your pneumothorax to resolve.

The catheter portion of the device sits inside the chest and the valve and chamber sit on the front of the chest wall. It is held in place by a sticky dressing and/or sutures.

Sometimes fluid can come out of the chest in addition to air. Do not be worried about this. The device has a built in fluid collection chamber that holds 26ml of fluid. This must be emptied for the device to work correctly. The team at the hospital will do this.

What happens after the Pleural Vent has been placed?

The clinical team will assess that the device is working as it should and that you are well. You will likely then be allowed to go home. While at home, air will continue to leave your chest through the one-way valve, allowing time for the pneumothorax to heal. This may take several days. You can monitor the valve to see if air is still escaping by observing the small, blue diaphragm on the top of the device (see image). This will move up and down if air is escaping.