What is thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure involving inserting the needle for drainage of air or fluid from the pleural space. Thoracentesis is done for some conditions such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, lung diseases, and system lupus erythematous. Thoracentesis was first performed in 1850 by Morrill Wyman. Thoracentesis can be done between the 8th to the 10th intercostal space. It can also be done at the midaxillary line.

Although thoracentesis is very helpful in getting fluid and air out of the chest cavity, it can cause certain complications. Thoracentesis is done with the guidance of ultrasound to reduce possible complications. Pneumothorax, hypotension, subcutaneous hematoma, hemorrhage, seroma, pulmonary edema, and cough are possible complications of thoracentesis.

Thoracentesis is a type of diagnostic procedure that is done in order to remove fluid that has started to accumulate between the lungs and the chest wall. If the fluid would not be removed, this can lead to the person having a collapsed lung, which should be avoided. In order to do the procedure, the cannula will be carefully placed into the thorax.

Take note that a person who will get this procedure done will be administered with local anesthesia in order to numb the pain. By doing this procedure, people who are experiencing pain or are having trouble breathing will get some relief. There are instances when this would need to be done several times.

Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove drainage from the lungs. The built-up fluid can be caused by a blood clot in the lung, cancer, liver failure, and pneumonia. A chest X-Ray is performed to see if there is fluid. Once they see it, doctors then use teaspoons to measure the liquid that is between the lungs and walls of the chest.

This fluid is known as pleural space, and there usually is 4 teaspoons of this fluid. The procedure often is short, less than 15 minutes, and the patient can go home after it is completed. After it is completed, a nurse watches blood pressure and breathing.