ICU Chest Films > Normal ICU Series

Normal ICU Series

The patient recovering from thoracotomy or coronary artery bypass graft surgery has an expected course in the post operative period prior to discharge. The following radiographs illustrate such a patient and the minor radiographic abnormalities encountered.

The first post operative radiograph obtained after returning to the intensive care post op unit will show the lines and tubes that were placed in order to make the perioperative period less complicated: endotracheal tube, thoracostomy tubes, mediastinal drains and central venous catheters. Each one of these radiopaque objects must be identified and its location (see lines and tubes section) checked so as not to miss a malpositioned tube.

The pre and post-operative chest exams, respectively, of a patient who underwent mediasternotomy for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

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