Retention of catheter fragment after thoracentesis

In the two cases presented here, retention of a portion of a plastic catheter in the pleural space occurred during thoracentesis. In both cases, the catheter was probably sheared off by the sharp beveled tip of the metal needle used to introduce the catheter. In one case, the retained catheter was removed during limited thoracotomy with local anesthesia. In the other case, attempts to remove the retained catheter during thoracentesis were unsuccessful, and no furather attempts were made. This complication of thoracentesis can be avoided by paying strict attention to the proper technique for insertion and withdrawal of the needle and the catheter.