Pleural Manometry for the Characterization of Spontaneous and Tension Pneumothorax

Intrapleural pressures have been shown to be a useful clinical predictor in pleural effusions, however it's utility has not been described in pneumothorax. Data on intrapleural pressures in pneumothorax are limited. Furthermore, the pleural pressure in tension pneumothorax is theorized to be greater than atmospheric pressure, though this has never been verified. Pneumothorax is primarily treated with a tube thoracostomy. This observational study will record intrapleural pressures in participants with pneumothorax undergoing a tube thoracostomy. Clinical outcomes of participants will then be monitored for need for pleurodesis, intrabronchial valve placement, and video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to identify a correlation with intrapleural pressure.