Minimally Invasive Relief from Chest Fluid Buildup

Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove excess fluid from the pleural space—the area between the lungs and chest wall. This fluid buildup, known as a pleural effusion, can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and discomfort.

How It Works

Using ultrasound guidance for safety and accuracy, our interventional radiologists:

🔹 Identify the precise location of fluid in the chest using real-time imaging
🔹 Clean and numb the area with local anesthesia for patient comfort
🔹 Insert a thin needle or catheter into the pleural space to gently remove fluid
🔹 Collect fluid for analysis, if needed, to help determine the underlying cause

Why Is This Procedure Done?

• To relieve chest pressure, pain, and shortness of breath
• To improve lung function and ease breathing
• To diagnose the cause of pleural effusion through fluid testing
• To safely manage recurrent fluid buildup without hospitalization