Precise, ultrasound-guided drainage of excess fluid from the pleural space — performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Thoracentesis is a procedure that drains excess fluid from the pleural space — the area between the lung and the chest wall. Ultrasound guidance precisely locates the fluid before the procedure begins, improving safety and accuracy.
After applying a local anesthetic to numb the skin, a small needle or catheter is inserted to drain the fluid. The fluid drainage itself typically takes approximately 5 minutes. A chest X-ray is performed afterward to confirm complete drainage and rule out complications.
Low-risk cases may be performed on-site at the office. Higher-risk cases are performed in the hospital setting with appropriate monitoring.