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Thoracentesis and intercostal catheter insertion

Ultrasound-guided pleural aspiration and chest drain insertion (BTS 2023), the safe site, drain size, anticoagulants, how to read a drain (swinging, bubbling, draining), when to remove it, complications, and indwelling pleural catheters.

Tier 1Medical sciences concept

Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made

3 questions 8 flashcards

At a glance

Ultrasound for every pleural procedure (BTS 2023). Mark the site with the patient in the position you'll use, and insert straight away.
Pleural aspiration (thoracentesis): diagnosis, or relief of breathlessness. Take up to 1.5 L at one sitting.
Chest drain (intercostal catheter): pleural infection that meets drainage criteria, pneumothorax that needs a drain, haemothorax, and before pleurodesis.

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Sources

Asciak R et al. British Thoracic Society clinical statement on pleural procedures. Thorax 2023;78(Suppl 3):s43-s68British Thoracic Society (Thorax), 2023
Roberts ME et al. British Thoracic Society guideline for pleural disease. Thorax 2023;78(Suppl 3):s1-s42British Thoracic Society (Thorax), 2023
Muruganandan S et al. Aggressive versus symptom-guided drainage of malignant pleural effusion via indwelling pleural catheters (AMPLE-2). Lancet Respir Med 2018;6:671-80AU/NZThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 2018
Thomas R et al. Effect of an indwelling pleural catheter vs talc pleurodesis on hospitalization days in patients with malignant pleural effusion (AMPLE). JAMA 2017;318:1903-12AU/NZJAMA, 2017

Last updated: 14 November 2026

What changed

14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy