aspiration of fluid from the pleural space is achieved by thoracentesis.
aspiration of fluid from the pleural space is?
thoracentesis
once a pleural effusion is diagnosed, its cause must be determined. pleural fluid is drawn out of the pleural space in a process called thoracentesis, and it should be done in almost all patients who have pleural fluid that is at least 10 mm in thickness on ct, ultrasonography, or lateral decubitus x-ray and that is new or of uncertain etiology. in general, the only patients who do not require thoracentesis are those who have heart failure with symmetric pleural effusions and no chest pain or fever; in these patients, diuresis can be tried, and thoracentesis is avoided unless effusions persist for more than 3 days. in a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted through the back of the chest wall in the sixth, seventh, or eighth intercostal space on the midaxillary line, into the pleural space. the use of ultrasound to guide the procedure is now standard of care as it increases accuracy and decreases complications. after removal, the fluid may then be evaluated for:
pleural effusion
bullet::::- pneumothorax: accumulation of air or gas in the pleural space





























bullet::::- pleural effusion: accumulation of fluid in the pleural space





























bullet::::- chylothorax: a collection of lymphatic fluid in the pleural space





























bullet::::- empyema: a pyogenic infection of the pleural space





























bullet::::- hemothorax: accumulation of blood in the pleural space





























bullet::::- hydrothorax: accumulation of serous fluid in the pleural space





























section::::contraindications.





























contraindications to chest tube placement include refractory coagulopathy and presence of a diaphragmatic hernia, as well as hepatic hydrothorax. additional contraindications include scarring in the pleural space (adhesions).





























section::::complications.
chest tube