What is the purpose of a thoracentesis?

The purpose of a thoracentesis is primarily to relieve lung compression by removing fluid from the pleural space. This procedure involves inserting a needle or catheter into the chest cavity, allowing for the drainage of excess pleural fluid that can accumulate due to various conditions, such as pleural effusion, pneumonia, or heart failure. By removing the fluid, thoracentesis helps improve breathing and allows the lungs to expand more fully, alleviating discomfort and potentially improving oxygenation. This procedure is crucial in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts, as it can also provide samples for analysis to determine the cause of the fluid accumulation. The focus on relieving lung compression directly addresses the significant impact that excess fluid can have on respiratory function.