Ultrasound Thoracentesis

An ultrasound thoracentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through your chest wall into your lung cavity to remove or collect fluid accumulation (called pleural effusion).

A thoracentesis is done to help determine the cause of fluid in the lungs and/or to remove large amounts of the pleuritc fluid that is causing shortness of breath or other difficulties.

Some medications may increase the risk of bleeding after your procedure. Please check with your doctor about possibly holding medications such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), Ticlid, Pletal, Aggrenox, Plavix and NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, before your procedure. Please hold these medications as directed. You may resume your medications the day after your procedure.

You will be instructed to arrive at the Outpatient Services Department at a specified time. There, a nurse will ask you questions, and you may need certain blood tests done before the thoracentesis to see whether you have any bleeding problems. You will be asked to sign a consent form after you have spoken with the radiologist who will be performing your procedure.

During the thoracentesis, a registered sonographer will move a hand-held device called a transducer over your chest wall after it has been coated with gel. The gel is used to help the sound waves to travel more easily and thus, produce a clearer image. With the ultrasound pictures as a guide, the radiologist will select the best site to insert the needle and place a small mark on your chest wall. This site is then cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a local anesthetic (numbing medication) is injected. A syringe is attached to the end of the thoracentesis needle and suction is applied as the needle enters the anesthetized area. When the pleural cavity is entered, fluid will flow into the syringe. If a large amount of fluid is present, the needle may be attached to a small vacuum bottle. Generally, up to one liter of fluid is removed. The fluid may then be sent to the lab to be examined under the microscope. Length of the exam is 20-30 minutes.

After the procedure, you will have a chest x-ray and then return to the Outpatient Services Department. Expect to rest and be monitored there for 1-2 hours following the exam. The lab will send your fluid analysis results to your physician. Nurses in the Outpatient Services Department will instruct you in activity restrictions and general care before you return home.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or contact Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A

____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance