What are the risks of thoracentesis in patients with heart failure?

Heart failure generally refers to cardiac insufficiency, and "chest water" usually means pleural effusion. In general, the main risks of thoracentesis (removal of pleural fluid) in patients with heart failure include wound infection, chest discomfort, acute pulmonary edema, pleural reaction, pneumothorax, and others. Specific details are as follows:

1. Wound infection

Thoracentesis leaves a wound in the pleural cavity. If the patient has low immunity and proper postoperative care is not performed, wound infection may occur.

2. Chest discomfort

After removing the pleural fluid, thickening of the pleura may occur, leading to pleural adhesions and resulting in chest discomfort.

3. Acute pulmonary edema

If too much fluid is removed at once or if the aspiration speed is too fast during thoracentesis, acute pulmonary edema may develop.

4. Pleural reaction

During thoracentesis, reflexive vagus nerve hyperactivity or factors such as poor physical condition may lead to pleural reactions, including dizziness, chest tightness, pallor, sweating, and even syncope.

5. Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax may occur during pleural fluid aspiration. If this happens, fluid removal should be stopped immediately and appropriate symptomatic treatment initiated.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing any discomfort and to receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician, which helps promote recovery.