Mediastinum flotation

Flotation of the mediastinum (flotatio mediastini) is a displacement of the mediastinum to one side under the influence of air or liquid in the pleural cavity.

Causes of mediastinal flotation:

1. Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse. Pneumothorax can be spontaneous, traumatic, or iatrogenic. With tension pneumothorax, the mediastinum shifts to the opposite side.

2. Hemothorax is an accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity. Massive hemothorax causes a shift of the mediastinum to the opposite side.

3. Hydrothorax is an accumulation of transudate or exudate in the pleural cavity. Significant hydrothorax leads to mediastinal flotation.

4. Tumors of the mediastinum or lungs. A tumor process in the mediastinum or lung can cause a shift of the mediastinum to the healthy side.

Diagnosis of mediastinal flotation is based on radiography and CT of the chest. Treatment consists of eliminating the cause that caused the flotation.

**Mediastinal flotation** is a method for diagnosing and treating chronic right ventricular heart failure (CRHF), which involves the use of a solution for high-frequency hyperobaric oxygenation of air in the pulmonary alveoli and pleura. This condition is associated with a decrease in total pulmonary venous inflow, which leads to right ventricular (RV) overload and the development of heart failure. This phenomenon usually occurs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe bronchopulmonary obstruction, which may be associated with other chronic diseases. Mediastinal tissue flotation is currently not used in many countries because it causes discomfort and pain.