Effect of Thoracentesis on Arterial Oxygen Tension

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Abstract
The acute effects of thoracentesis on arterial oxygenation were observed in 19 studies on 17 patients. Arterial blood samples were obtained prior to, immediately after, and 1 h after thoracentesis. Unpredictable changes in the arterial oxygen tension, ranging from – 22 to + 19 mm Hg were found immediately following thoracentesis. It was concluded that significant hypoxemia may result from thoracentesis due to aberration of ventilation-perfusion relationships. It is further suggested that oxygen therapy be routinely administered during and immediately after the procedure