BIOL 238 Firecat PE v PE

Reagan's Wound

• Key Areas Affected:

  • Lungs

  • Heart

  • Rib

• Bullet Dynamics:

  • Bullet hole indicates point of entry.

  • Path of bullet: initially enters the rib, may ricochet off the rib into the lower lung.

Medical Conditions Addressed

Pleural Effusion

• Definition: Build-up of fluid or air between tissues lining the lungs and thoracic cavity.

• Causes:

  • Heart failure

  • Hypertension

  • Low albumin levels

  • Various cancers

• Treatment Options:

  • Thoracocentesis (fluid removal)

  • Chest tube insertion

  • Antibiotics to manage infection

  • Diuretics to reduce fluid accumulation

• Types of Pleural Effusion:

  • Pneumothorax: Air in the pleural space.

  • Hemothorax: Blood in the pleural space.

  • Chylothorax: Lymphatic fluid in the pleural space.

  • Pyothorax: Pus in the pleural space.

Pulmonary Edema

• Definition: Condition resulting from excess fluid in the lungs.

• Causes:

  • Heart conditions (e.g., heart failure)

  • Pneumonia

  • Toxins and drugs

  • High elevations causing oxygen deprivation

• Treatment Options:

  • Diuretics to decrease fluid retention

  • Antibiotics for accompanying infections

Medical Equipment and Procedures

Thoracocentesis and PLEUR-EVAC® System

• Definition of Thoracocentesis: A procedure to remove excess fluid from the pleural space.

• PLEUR-EVAC® System Components:

  • High Negativity Float Valve: Maintains water seal under varying pressure conditions.

  • Collection Chamber: For recording fluid output; equipped with self-sealing diaphragms.

  • Floor Stand: Designed for stability to prevent tipping during use.

  • Patient Tubing: Does not contain natural rubber latex for safety.

  • Embedded Metal Coil in Tubing Support: Provides added strength to prevent kinks and blockages.

Chest Tube Insertion (Thoracostomy)

• Procedure Overview:

  • Involves inserting a chest tube into the pleural cavity through the chest wall.

  • Tubes may be secured using sutures.

  • Key anatomical structures involved include the rib, lung, and the pleural effusion that requires drainage.