What is a Ultrasound Guided Thoracocentesis?
Thoracocentesis, also called thoracentesis, pleural aspiration, or a pleural tap, is a procedure used to remove fluid from the space between the lung and the chest wall, known as the pleural space.
When too much fluid builds up in this space, it is called a pleural effusion. This can place pressure on the lung and make breathing more difficult. Removing some of that fluid can help improve comfort and breathing, and the fluid can also be sent to the laboratory for testing.
Ultrasound is used to identify the best and safest location for the procedure. Using ultrasound guidance helps the doctor see where the fluid is and can reduce the risk of complications compared with doing the procedure without imaging guidance.
Why Might You Need This Procedure?
Your doctor may recommend ultrasound guided thoracocentesis if you have fluid around the lungs that is causing symptoms or needs further investigation.
This procedure may be helpful to:
- Relieve shortness of breath caused by fluid pressing on the lung
- Reduce chest pressure or discomfort
- Collect fluid for testing to help diagnose the cause of the effusion
- Help assess conditions such as infection, heart failure, or cancer-related pleural fluid
Before Your Procedure
Before your procedure, our team will review your medical history, medicines, and any allergies with you.
You may be asked to:
- Bring a list of your current medicines
- Tell us if you take blood thinners such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, or aspirin
- Tell us if you have any bleeding problems or allergies, including latex or medication allergies
- Follow any instructions given to you about stopping certain medicines before the procedure
- Arrange for someone to accompany you or take you home if your doctor advises this
Preparation instructions can vary from patient to patient, so it is important to follow the specific advice given.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The procedure is usually done with you in a sitting or supported position, often leaning slightly forward while the doctor uses ultrasound to locate the fluid.
During the procedure:
- The skin is cleaned carefully
- A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area, which may sting briefly at first
- A fine needle or small plastic tube is gently inserted between the ribs into the pleural space
- Fluid is then removed either for testing, for symptom relief, or for both reasons
- A small dressing is placed on the skin once the procedure is complete
The procedure is commonly completed on the same day, and many patients are able to go home afterwards if the medical team is happy with their recovery.
After the Procedure
After your thoracocentesis:
- You will be observed for a short time by the clinical team
- A chest x-ray or ultrasound may sometimes be done afterwards, depending on the clinical situation
- You may notice mild discomfort at the procedure site for a short time many patients notice that breathing feels easier once fluid has been removed
Your doctor will explain the next steps, including whether the fluid is being sent for analysis and when results are expected.