Thoracentesis, also known as thoracocentesis, pleural tap, needle thoracostomy or needle decompression, is an invasive medical 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 performed by Morrill Wyman in 1850 and was described by Henry Ingersoll Bowditch in 1852.
Facts
FAQs
What risks come with thoracentesis and how are they checked for?
Bleeding, infection, a collapsed lung and respiratory distress are the listed risks, and a chest x-ray or ultrasound afterward checks for lung injury.
The risks listed for thoracentesis are bleeding, infection, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) and respiratory distress. Because the needle passes through the chest wall into the pleural space, an image of the chest, either a chest x-ray or an ultrasound, is usually taken after the procedure to check for injury to the lung. Ultrasound is also likely to be used beforehand to find the best spot to insert the needle. This entry records how the procedure is described and is not medical advice.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Thoracentesis (Wikipedia)
- First performed by Morrill Wyman in 1850, article intro
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracentesis, lead section
Thoracentesis , also known as thoracocentesis (from Greek θώραξ (thōrax, GEN thōrakos) 'chest, thorax' and κέντησις (kentēsis) 'pricking, puncture'), pleural tap, needle thoracostomy, or needle decompression (often used term), is an invasive medical procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
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