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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Thoracentesis Not Safe While Having Congestive Heart Failure?

Everything I have read online says that a thorocentesis is not safe for someone with congestive heart failure. Why would it be done? My father has congestive heart failure, cirrohosis of the liver, end stage renal failure, COPD, and diabetes. He has been on dialysis and the doctor believes it isn t helping since his body is building up with toxins.
Tue, 9 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

In heart failure, fluid can collect in the areas outside the lungs and worsen shortness of breath. Kidney failure and cirrhosis of the liver can also be associated with the build up fluid and would also impact on a person's ability to breathe.

There are some contraindications (conditions a procedure cannot be done) for thoracentesis (1)uncorrected problems with bleeding (2)infection at the site

If your father has neither of the above contraindications then the procedure may actually help him to breathe better.

I hope this helps
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Why Is Thoracentesis Not Safe While Having Congestive Heart Failure?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic In heart failure, fluid can collect in the areas outside the lungs and worsen shortness of breath. Kidney failure and cirrhosis of the liver can also be associated with the build up fluid and would also impact on a person s ability to breathe. There are some contraindications (conditions a procedure cannot be done) for thoracentesis (1)uncorrected problems with bleeding (2)infection at the site If your father has neither of the above contraindications then the procedure may actually help him to breathe better. I hope this helps