Which procedure involves needle aspiration of fluid in the pleural space?

The procedure that involves needle aspiration of fluid in the pleural space is thoracentesis. This medical intervention is used to remove excess fluid that has accumulated in the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. During thoracentesis, a needle is carefully inserted into the pleural space to withdraw fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

This procedure can help relieve symptoms associated with pleural effusion, such as difficulty breathing, and allows for the fluid to be analyzed to determine its cause, helping to guide further treatment. Thoracentesis is particularly valuable because it can provide immediate relief from respiratory distress and important information about potential underlying conditions.

Other procedures listed serve different purposes; for example, bronchoscopy involves visualizing the airways through a scope, while chest X-rays and CT scans are imaging techniques used to diagnose conditions rather than perform fluid aspiration.