How To Do Thoracentesis By Rebecca Dezube, MD, MHS, Johns Hopkins University Reviewed / Revised Jul 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Indications Contraindications Complications Equipment Additional Considerations Relevant Anatomy Positioning Step-by-Step Description of Procedure Aftercare Warnings and Common Errors Tips and Tricks References Topic Resources Rib Anatomy Thoracentesis Thoracentesis Using Ultrasonograp.. Thoracentesis is needle aspiration of fluid from a pleural effusion.