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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Pneumothorax historical perspective

Introduction

Overview

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

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

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

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.

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