title: Safety of thoracentesis in mechanically ventilated patients.
abstract: As practicing intensivists, we frequently diagnose pleural effusions in mechanically ventilated patients and routinely perform thoracentesis even when the patient is on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). In light of a recent report, we have reviewed our experience. It is of interest that all thoracenteses were performed with patients in the lateral decubitus position.
authors.affiliation: Baptist Memorial Hospital-Medical Center, Memphis, Tenn.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: McCartney
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Hazard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D011677:Punctures; D013907:Thoracostomy