Ultrasound-guided thoracenthesis: the V-point as a site for optimal drainage positioning

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pulmonology
• Interventional Procedures

Background:

• Lung ultrasound is increasingly used for pleural effusion evaluation, aiding in follow-up and drainage.
• A standardized approach for ultrasound-guided thoracentesis is currently lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficiency of using the maximal effusion thickness point on ultrasound as a standard site for thoracentesis.
• To determine if this method leads to successful first-attempt drainage and complete fluid removal.

Main Methods:

• 45 ultrasound-guided thoracenteses were performed on hospitalized patients with non-organized pleural effusions.
• The drainage site was identified as the
• V-point
• where maximal effusion thickness was observed on ultrasound.

Main Results:

• No pneumothorax occurred; complications were minor and infrequent.
• All procedures were successful on the first attempt.
• Maximal effusion thickness at the "V-point" significantly correlated with drained fluid volume (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Measuring maximal effusion thickness at the "V-point" offers high efficiency for ultrasound-guided thoracentesis.
• This method aids in estimating pleural fluid volume and is easily learned and applied.