Placement of a Thoracentesis Needle

In thoracentesis, the doctor removes fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (the pleural cavity). The doctor inserts a needle (and sometimes a plastic catheter) through the chest wall to remove and examine the fluid.

Placement of a Thoracentesis Needle

Placement of a thoracentesis needle

In thoracentesis, the doctor removes fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (the pleural cavity). The doctor inserts a needle (and sometimes a plastic catheter) through the chest wall to remove and examine the fluid.

Current as ofJune 9, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
David C. Stuesse, MD – Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery

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