The Management of Traumatic Hemothoraces

This group will have an intra-pleural catheter placed with the intent of draining all intra-pleural blood (HTX). The size and nature of the catheter, manner of placement, and timing of removal will be at the discretion of the attending clinician.

This group will not have an intra-pleural catheter placed on the basis of the HTX, but will undergo standard observation/conservative management by the trauma service. Intra-pleural catheters may be placed after enrollment at the attending clinician's discretion.