Thoracentesis

Find a heart specialist

If you’re having trouble breathing, you might have fluid building up between your lung and chest wall. At Aurora Health Care, we can help you breathe freely again by performing a thoracentesis. We also can determine what’s causing this extra fluid and the best course of treatment for any underlying condition.

What is thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a procedure where we remove excess fluid from the space between your lung and chest wall, known as the pleural space. Once the liquid is removed, your lung can more fully expand and you can breathe easier.

A buildup of fluid in the pleural space – called pleural effusion – may occur because of a variety of conditions including infection, heart failure or cancer.

You don’t need to do anything to prepare for this procedure. However, you should talk with your physician if you have any questions or concerns, including if you need to stop taking any of your medications.

A thoracentesis can be done in a doctor’s office or hospital room. Typically the procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but it could take up to 45 minutes if there’s a lot of fluid to remove.

We’ll begin by giving you numbing medication before inserting a needle and a small plastic tube to drain the fluid. 

You may feel pressure and, while the fluid drains, you may have the urge to cough as your lung expands. Once the fluid is drained, we’ll remove the needle and tubing and place a small bandage on the site. 

Your doctor may send the fluid for testing to diagnose the cause of the extra fluid.

After the procedure, most likely you’ll stay in the hospital for a few hours so we can monitor you for any possible complications. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home.

You may be sore at the needle site. Ask your doctor about taking medication for the pain.
 

Get care

We help you live well. And we’re here for you in person and online.

Find a cardiologistFind a locationGet a second opinionSign in to LiveWell