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Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Procedures

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Abstract

Thoracic procedures including thoracentesis, pneumothorax aspiration, and chest tube placement may be required when caring for critically ill patients. There is increasing evidence to support the use of ultrasonography when performing these procedures. The ability to visualize internal structures while directing an instrument and performing an invasive procedure makes sonographic guidance an attractive option, particularly when anatomic landmarks are not clear. Sonographic guidance of procedures can be performed at the bedside, obviating the need to take a potentially unstable patient out of a treatment area. In addition, ultrasonography does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation, and the sonographic examination can usually be completed within minutes.

This chapter will review the various thoracic procedures which may benefit from ultrasound guidance, including current evidence and procedural techniques when sonography is incorporated.

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Odashima, K., Kluger, S.B., Keenan, P., Dickman, E. (2020). Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Procedures. In: Adhikari, S., Blaivas, M. (eds) The Ultimate Guide to Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Procedures . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28267-7_14

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