A new method of an axial puncture approach for draining loculated pleural effusions.

PURPOSE

The authors devised a new method of an axial puncture approach through the pulmonary apex (PA) for percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) of loculated fluid collections extending to the PA. The purpose of this report is to introduce the new procedure.

METHODS

Percutaneous catheter drainage by the axial puncture approach was performed in two patients with limited supine position and loculated pleural fluid collection in the posteromedial part of thoracic cavity.

RESULTS

The procedures succeeded in two patients without difficulties while keeping them in a supine position, even if the loculated fluids exist in the posterior side of thoracic cavity.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous catheter drainage by the axial puncture approach is particularly effective in patients with limited supine positions and loculated pleural fluid collection in the posteromedial part of thoracic cavity.