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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Improving the safety of thoracentesis
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|February 25, 2011
Summary
Improving thoracentesis safety involves adopting best practices to reduce complications like pneumothorax. Key factors include experienced operators, ultrasound guidance, and avoiding large fluid aspirations for safer patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Medical Procedures
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Thoracentesis is a common procedure with risks of iatrogenic complications, notably pneumothorax.
- Despite known safety improvements, adoption of best practices by clinicians has been slow.
- This review focuses on enhancing procedural safety for thoracentesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on thoracentesis procedural safety.
- To emphasize best practice models for reducing iatrogenic complications.
- To identify modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on thoracentesis safety.
- Analysis of procedure-specific variables associated with pneumothorax.
- Examination of best practice models and their impact on safety.
Main Results:
- Inexperienced operators, lack of ultrasound, and large-volume aspirations are linked to pneumothorax.
- Best practice models, including ultrasound and focused training, significantly improve safety.
- Procedural modifications have demonstrably reduced iatrogenic complications.
Conclusions:
- Several modifications enhance thoracentesis safety and reduce complications.
- Recommendations are made for incorporating best practice techniques.
- Encouraging adoption of improved methods is crucial for patient safety.
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