The Sound of Safety: DIVOT (Doppler Imaging for Vascular Orientation in Thoracic Procedures) Protocol

Abstract

Each year, more than 200,000 thoracentesis and percutaneous chest tube thoracostomy procedures are performed in the United States [1-4]. In both procedures, the initial step involves advancing a needle over the superior aspect of the rib into the intercostal space to access the pleural cavity. Traditional teaching suggests that this technique avoids the neurovascular bundle, which is typically shielded by the inferior border of the rib. However, this technique does not guarantee safety. Computed tomography studies have shown that the intercostal arteries (ICAs) are highly tortuous, with positions that can vary significantly within the intercostal space [5-7]. This variability can lead to ICA laceration even with an optimal traditional technique [8-9]. Significant hemorrhage into the pleural space may initially go unnoticed but can progress to hemorrhagic shock or even tension hemothorax physiology [10-12]. Improved procedural guidance is needed to enhance safety and achieve the goal of zero patient harm. We propose the DIVOT (Doppler Imaging for Vascular Orientation in Thoracic procedures) protocol using a combination of high-frequency linear ultrasound, color, and Power Doppler (PD) to identify an ICA and its collaterals before needle insertion. This can reduce the risk of accidental vascular injury during thoracentesis or percutaneous chest tube thoracostomy.