Thoracentesis overview

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]

Overview

Thoracentesis (also known as thoracocentesis or pleural tap) is an invasive procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A cannula, or hollow needle, is carefully introduced into the thorax, generally after administration of local anesthesia. The procedure was first described in 1852.

Left-sided Pleural Effusion

Procedure

• Thoracocentesis can be performed by carefully inserting a needle into the pleural space, in order to aspirate the pathologically collected fluid or air and allow the compressed lung to re-inflate.
• Ultrasound guided needle aspiration is a very useful technique
• Ultrasound guided aspiration should be performed in order to reduce complications.

Steps

• Shown below is a video demonstrating the step wise procedure of thoracentesis.

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