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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Large-bore thoracentesis - A case report of a fatal consequence
Moshe Vardi1, Guy Dori, Haim Bitterman
1Department of Medicine, Carmel Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
European Journal of Internal Medicine
|August 19, 2007
Summary
Thoracentesis, a pleural space procedure, can cause complications. This case highlights a rare fatal outcome of sonography-guided, large-bore needle thoracentesis due to accidental cardiocentesis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Thoracentesis is a common procedure for pleural space diseases.
- Complications, though varied, can occur.
- Ultrasound guidance is recommended for small or loculated effusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare fatal complication of ultrasound-guided, large-bore needle thoracentesis.
- To emphasize the risk of accidental cardiac puncture during the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Sonography-guided, large-bore needle thoracentesis was performed.
- A case report of a fatal complication is presented.
Main Results:
- The procedure resulted in accidental cardiocentesis.
- The patient experienced a fatal complication.
Conclusions:
- Even with imaging guidance, complex procedures carry risks.
- Careful needle placement is crucial to avoid cardiac injury during thoracentesis.
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