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Pneumothorax historical perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [2]

Overview

Pneumothorax was first discovered by Hippocrates, about 2400 years ago who used a metal drain for treatment. In 1803, French physician Itard was the first to coin the term “pneumothorax.” By 1952, synthetic, more flexible drains replaced metal tubes that were used for pneumothorax treatment. By 1980s, flexible and plastic drains were used that ranged between 6 and 40 French (F) in size.

Historical Perspective

Discovery

  • In 1803, French physician Itard was the first to coin the term “pneumothorax.”[1]
  • By 1952, synthetic, more flexible drains replaced metal tubes that were used for pneumothorax treatment.[2]
  • By 1980, flexible and plastic drains were used that ranged between 6 and 40 French (F) in size[3]

Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies

  • Pneumothorax was first discovered by Hippocrates, about 2400 years ago who used a metal drain to treat it.[4]

References

  1. Henry M, Arnold T, Harvey J, Pleural Diseases Group, Standards of Care Committee, British Thoracic Society (2003). “BTS guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax”. Thorax. 58 Suppl 2: ii39–52. PMC 1766020. PMID 12728149.
  2. HOWE BE (1951). “Evaluation of chest suction with an artificial thorax”. Surg Forum: 1–7. PMID 14931188.
  3. Miller KS, Sahn SA (1987). “Chest tubes. Indications, technique, management and complications”. Chest. 91 (2): 258–64. PMID 3542404.
  4. Christopoulou-Aletra, Helen; Papavramidou, Niki (2008). “Empyemas” of the Thoracic Cavity in the Hippocratic Corpus”. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 85 (3): 1132–1134. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2007.11.031. ISSN 0003-4975.

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