Guidelines for chest drain insertion do not protect relevant anatomical structures

We have reported the risk of chest drain insertion inferior to the diaphragm when using current international guidelines [1]. Another complication is damage to significant peripheral nerves, such as the long thoracic nerve causing winging of the scapula [2]. We assessed these risks using: the European Trauma Course method, a patient's handbreadth below their axilla just anterior to the midaxillary line; the British Thoracic Society safe triangle [3]; and the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course guidance [4].