Fig. 2

A Thoracentesis kit B. Evaluation with a 13-MHz linear transducer at the level of the fifth to seventh intercostal space along the mid-axillary line, verifying the absence of pleural sliding at the puncture site; once vessel interposition is ruled out with color Doppler, the puncture is made; the passage of the needle to the pleural space is visualized in real time; visualization is lost upon entry into the pleural space given the presence of air (arrow) C. A guide wire is passed, verifying entry into the pleural space (arrow); as with the needle, visualization is lost when entering the pleural space