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Placement of a thoracentesis needle

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Placement of a thoracentesis needle

Lungs in chest showing fluid in right pleural space, and view of person's back showing site between two ribs for fluid removal.

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

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.