Procedure for Thoracentesis with Indwelling Drainage Catheter Placement

Thoracentesis and chest tube placement is one of the fundamental procedures required in cardiothoracic surgery and respiratory medicine, playing a crucial role in draining gas or fluid from the pleural cavity. The puncture site varies depending on whether gas or fluid is being drained. This procedure follows a specific sequence involving the following steps:

1. Prior to the procedure, determine the target area for gas or fluid drainage based on imaging studies.

2. Perform visual inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation of the intended puncture site. For gas drainage, the second intercostal space along the midclavicular line is typically selected; for fluid drainage, the location is determined based on chest X-ray or color Doppler ultrasound findings.

3. Check that all necessary equipment is available, including the thoracentesis kit, suturing set, anesthetic drugs, and syringes.

4. Perform skin disinfection, drape the area, put on sterile gloves, administer local anesthesia from the skin down to the pleura, and perform a trial puncture to aspirate fluid. The aspirated fluid should undergo necessary physical and chemical examinations.

5. Make a small skin incision. Once gas or fluid is observed flowing out after entering the pleural cavity, insert the chest drainage tube.

6. Adjust the length of the drainage tube, secure it in place, cover with sterile dressing, connect it to a water-seal bottle, and monitor the patient for any discomfort such as chest tightness. The procedure concludes once these steps are completed.

To ensure standardized drainage techniques, please seek timely treatment at a qualified medical facility. After the procedure, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is beneficial for recovery.