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Fig. 3 | Critical Ultrasound Journal

Fig. 3

From: An easier and safe affair, pleural drainage with ultrasound in critical patient: a technical note

Fig. 3

A Identify and draw the safety triangle. Note both convex and linear probes are present. B, C Use a low-frequency US transducer (convex or phased array probe) to identify the best puncture site. The best puncture site is where the operator can visualise each anatomical structures (i.e., diaphragm, pleural, organs) and can measure the maximum distance between visceral and parietal pleural (increasing the safety margin). The probe should be used in the transverse position between two ribs. The probe marker is facing the patient’s head (on the right of the screen). D At the end-expiration (high-frequency US transducer) diaphragm reaches the most cranial position. E At the end inspiration (high-frequency US transducer) lung reaches the most caudal position. F A high-frequency US transducer (linear probe) should be used in the transverse position, between two ribs to understand the upper and lower border of the needle insertion area. The probe marker is facing the patient’s head (on the right of the screen). The operator designs the course of the needle within the expected insertion area

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