Guided Pleural Drainage

Image-guided drain placement in the pleural space to evacuate fluid or empyema.

Drainage and Aspiration

Guided Pleural Drainage

Synonyms : guided thoracentesis, ultrasound-guided pleural tap

Background

Large pleural effusion (infectious, malignant or cardiac), pleural empyema.

Procedure

US-guided drain insertion by direct or Seldinger technique. Duration: 15-30 minutes.

Risks

Pneumothorax, bleeding, lung/diaphragm injury, infection.

Recovery

Drain remains until cessation. Control chest X-ray.

Practical information

Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).