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Transthoracic Needle Aspiration

This is usually an outpatient procedure where a longer needle is passed between the ribs and into the lung lesion and a tissue sample or biopsy is taken to make a diagnosis. This procedure is most commonly done by an interventional radiologist. Transthoracic needle aspiration can be complicated by pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Because of the higher risk of a collapsed lung, only patients who can meet certain criteria are candidates for this procedure. If a collapsed lung does occur, a chest tube may be inserted between the ribs to re-expand the lungs; this may require hospitalization.

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