Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. It involves inserting a thin needle or catheter through the chest wall into the pleural cavity. The goal is to drain accumulated fluid or air, relieving pressure and improving respiratory function. Thoracentesis aids in both diagnostic and therapeutic capacities, helping identify the underlying cause of pleural effusion and providing symptomatic relief for conditions like pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or malignancies affecting the lungs and pleura.