Pleural Complications in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): How to Safely Apply and Follow Up With a Chest Tube During the Pandemic?

Ceylan et al. present a retrospective study regarding the prevention of viral transmission via chest tube in COVID-19 patients. Out of 542 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 13 (3.8%) required chest tube insertion. In these patients, a two-bottle technique combined with a HEPA filter was used to prevent viral transmission. The incidence of bloodstream infections was 32.1% within the first year. This event was associated with increased risk of death and stroke. Risk factors of bloodstream infections were identified as lower albumin and ECMO/IABP prior to LVAD implantation.