A procedure that removes fluid or air from the space around the lungs (pleural space) using a needle or catheter. It's used both diagnostically to analyze fluid and therapeutically to relieve breathing difficulties.
From Greek 'thorax' meaning 'chest' and 'kentesis' meaning 'puncture' or 'pricking.' The term literally means 'puncturing the chest' to access the pleural space.
Thoracentesis can provide immediate relief for patients struggling to breathe due to fluid buildup, sometimes removing over a liter of fluid in a single procedure. The pleural space normally contains only a few tablespoons of lubricating fluid, so any significant accumulation indicates disease.
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