PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - W.Y. Lee
AU  - S. Faruqi
AU  - J. Kastelik
AU  - R. Teoh
TI  - Ultrasound guided pleural aspiration and chest drain insertion – A prospective study
DP  - 2011 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - p465
VI  - 38
IP  - Suppl 55
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p465.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p465.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2011 Sep 01; 38
AB  - Pleural aspiration and chest drain insertion are important procedures required in the management of pleural disease. Small bore chest drain insertion using the Seldinger technique is assumed to be safer and better tolerated. However, there is no data to support this and incidents of serious complications have been reported. As a result, the British Thoracic Society recommend thoracic ultrasound (TUS) for pleural procedures. Currently, TUS is commonly being used by respiratory physicians to identify a safe site for various interventional procedures. The aim of this study was to review the complications of ultrasound guided pleural aspiration and chest drain insertion.Method: Data from TUS guided pleural aspirations and chest drains was collected prospectively. Complications and pain perceived by the patient was recorded on a 100mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0=no pain, 100=worst pain ever).Results: 58 pleural procedures were performed-34 (59%) pleural aspirations, 20 (34%) chest drains. 3 (5%) showed a small pleural effusion on TUS and were not suitable for a pleural procedure. Other than 1 patient having a vasovagal episode during the ultrasound procedure, there were no immediate and direct complications associated with the pleural aspirations and chest drain insertion. All chest drains inserted were 12F and all required one attempt. Mean VAS for pain during chest drain insertion was 20 (range 0–80).Conclusion: Complications from pleural aspiration and chest drain insertion which may result in serious harm and even death is reduced by TUS guidance. TUS is a relatively simple procedure to perform. It is able to identify a safe and suitable site and also improves the ease and tolerability of pleural procedures.