When should ultrasound be used for chest drain insertion? What are the advantages of using ultrasound?

  • Strongly recommended for all pleural procedures for pleural fluid
  • Particularly useful for defining the diaphragm and pleural thickening in:
    • Loculated effusions
    • Empyema
  • The marking of a site by ultrasound for subsequent remote aspiration (by a radiologist) is strongly discouraged

BTS Guidelines (2010)

G

  • Lower failure rate
  • Reduced risk of complications – particularly:
    • Pneumothorax
    • Visceral organ perforation