Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Thoracentesis / ˌ θ ɔː r ə s ɪ n ˈ t iː s ɪ s /, also known as thoracocentesis (from Greek θώραξ (thōrax, GEN thōrakos) ' chest, thorax ' and κέντησις (kentēsis) ' pricking, puncture '), pleural tap, needle thoracostomy, or needle decompression (often used term), is an invasive medical procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or ...
Pericardiocentesis can be used to diagnose and treat cardiac tamponade. [3] [4] Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency in which excessive accumulation of fluid within the pericardium (pericardial effusion) creates increased pressure. [5]
Pleural effusions collect in the costodiaphragmatic recess when in standing position, [2] and present on plain X-rays as "blunting" of the costophrenic angle.. A thoracocentesis (pleural tap) is often performed here while a patient is in full expiration because of less risk of puncturing the lungs and thereby causing pneumothorax.
The doctors and nurses didn’t believe Tomisa Starr was having trouble breathing. Two years ago, Starr, 61, of Sacramento, California, was in the hospital for a spike in her blood pressure.
Once the tube is in place it is sutured to the skin to prevent it falling out and a dressing applied to the area. Once the drain is in place, a chest radiograph will be taken to check the location of the drain. The tube stays in for as long as there is air or fluid to be removed, or risk of air gathering.
The standard location for thoracostomy is the triangle of safety. This is an anatomical triangle. The borders of which are; the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi, the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle, a line superior to the horizontal level of the nipple (or 5th intercostal space), with the apex being below, or at, the axilla. [5]
The initial puncture is with a sharp instrument, and this may lead to hemorrhage or perforation of the organ in question. Infection is a possible complication, and hence asepsis is practiced during most Seldinger procedures. Loss of the guidewire into the cavity or blood vessel is a significant and generally preventable complication. [2]
After first cleaning the venipuncture site and applying a tourniquet, the phlebotomist uncaps the needle attached to the tube holder, inserts the needle into the vein, then slides evacuated tubes into the tube holder, where the tube's stopper is pierced by the back end of the needle.