Ventricular tachycardia following tube thoracotomy

Arrhythmias provoked by tube thoracotomy are a rare complication. We report a ventricular tachycardia after chest tube insertion for a device-related pneumothorax. Sinus rhythm was restored only by removal of the chest tube and insertion of a pliable pleural drain. Identification of the chest tube as an arrhythmic trigger following tube thoracotomy is essential in definitive management of refractory arrhythmias.