Simple construction of a subcutaneous catheter for treatment of severe subcutaneous emphysema.

Subcutaneous emphysema often presents a management dilemma. Rarely, subcutaneous emphysema has pathophysiologic consequences. More often, it is extremely uncomfortable for the patient, and is often disfiguring and alarming for patients and family. When subcutaneous emphysema is severe, physicians may feel compelled to treat it, but the currently described techniques are often invasive or ineffective. We describe the use of an easily constructed, minimally invasive, fenestrated catheter that relieves the symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema.