Comparison of 10- versus 14-gauge angiocatheter for treatment of tension pneumothorax and tension-induced pulseless electrical activity with hemorrhagic shock: Bigger is still better

BACKGROUND Little is known regarding the effect of hemorrhagic shock on the diagnosis and treatment of tension pneumothorax (tPTX). Recently, the Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines included the 10-gauge angiocatheter (10-g AC) as an acceptable alternative to the 14-g AC. This study sought to compare these two devices for decompression of tPTX and rescue from tension-induced pulseless electric activity (tPEA) in the setting of a concomitant...