Thoracentesis: Understanding the Fluid Removal Procedure

The procedure that removes fluid surrounding the lungs and heart is called thoracentesis. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a thin needle between the ribs to drain the fluid from the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Thoracentesis is performed to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain caused by the buildup of fluid, and to diagnose the underlying medical condition causing the fluid accumulation.