Paracentesis and Thoracentesis Fluid Buildup Removal Procedures in Houston, Texas

Paracentesis and thoracentesis are procedures offered by Synergy Vascular and Interventional (SVI) in the greater Houston area for removing fluid buildup within the abdomen and chest, respectively. This fluid buildup can cause problems including shortness of breath, abdominal distention, fatigue and pain.

Paracentesis drains fluid from the abdomen (ascites). One of SVI’s highly skilled and board-certified interventional radiologists uses ultrasound guidance to place a small catheter, similar to an IV, into the peritoneal cavity. This allows the fluid to drain, and the catheter is removed when the draining process is completed.

Thoracentesis addresses fluid build-up around the lung (pleural effusion). During this procedure, our interventional radiologist uses ultrasound to place a catheter between the ribs and into the pleural space, between the lung and chest cavity where the fluid has collected. The catheter is removed when the draining process is completed, and a chest x-ray is obtained.

In some cases, the fluid removed may be sent for further evaluation in a laboratory.

Download the SVI Paracentesis and Thoracentesis Flyer.

Synergy Vascular and Interventional paracentesis and thoracentesis services at each of the 10 hospital and outpatient facilities we serve in the greater Houston area including the communities of Pearland, Humble, Webster, Katy, Cypress, and The Woodlands, Texas. Call (713) 621-7436 to schedule.