Radiographic Features of Modern Thoracic Devices in Adults: Part 1

In modern medicine, various chest devices are used to treat patients in settings like chronic disease and emergency management. Examples of traditional devices include cardiac pacemakers, chest tubes, heart valves, and central lines. Novel engineering of chest devices has occurred alongside the development of minimally invasive procedures. Newer devices are delivered more safely and improve treatment outcomes. As contemporary thoracic devices often adapt upon earlier designs, bear complex appearance, and mimic one another, identification on imaging can be a difficult task. To serve as effective clinical colleagues, radiologists must be familiar with imaging features of thoracic devices, their function, proper placement, and associated medical complications. For all chest devices, radiography is a highly practical modality in evaluation.