Paula Beck

Paula Beck


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 October 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PBPaula Beck
Paula Beck
Mila M. PaulMila M. Paul
Mila M. Paul
HDHelena Düsing
Helena Düsing
JWJohanna Claudia Wagner
Johanna Claudia Wagner
SKSebastian Künle
Sebastian Künle
SISebastian Imach
Sebastian Imach
Background: The insertion of chest drains (CD) in trauma patients is a lifesaving, albeit high-risk intervention. Safe insertion of CD in settings where aids like ultrasound are not available relies on a landmark technique defining the so-called triangle of safety. The inferior margin of this triangle is identified by nipple height, which is thought to correspond to the fifth intercostal space (ICS). Training manikins are modeled after a lean male body and oftentimes insinuating jokes fuel uncertainty about the height of the nipple as a reliable landmark in female trauma patients. This study aims to prove that the nipple can be considered a safe landmark for CD insertion in women: even if larger breasts follow the force of gravity, it should not act towards the direction of the feet, but to the sides of the thorax in a flat-lying trauma patient. Methods: An online questionnaire was designed and distributed amongst female surgeons. Epidemiological data (age, nr of pregnancies, history of breastfeeding) was collected. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were reported. Chest circumference and underbust girth were self-measured. The nipple position in relation to the ICS was measured by the women while lying in a supine position. Results: 237 female surgeons completed the questionnaire. Nine questionnaires were excluded due to incomplete data sets. 20 women were excluded due to previous breast surgery. Thus, 208 participants (or 416 nipples) were included in analysis. In supine position, both nipples were located in the 5th (±0.8) intercostal space. Age, BMI, height, weight, and status post-pregnancy had no significant impact on nipple position. Interestingly, a history of breastfeeding correlated with lower nipple position. Conclusions: The nipple is a safe landmark for identifying the correct insertion position of chest drains in supine-lying female trauma patients.

5 May 2025 in Die Unfallchirurgie
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
PBPaula Beck
Paula Beck
SIS. Imach
S. Imach
JWJ. C. Wagner
J. C. Wagner
SKS. Künle
S. Künle
HDH. Düsing
H. Düsing
MPM. M. Paul
M. M. Paul

5 July 2024 in Notfall + Rettungsmedizin
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
PBPaula Beck
Paula Beck
JBJörg Bayer
Jörg Bayer
DBDan Bieler
Dan Bieler
HBHans-Jörg Busch
Hans-Jörg Busch
BGBernhard Gliwitzky
Bernhard Gliwitzky
DHDavid Häske
David Häske