The pleural puncture method is mainly used to collect pleural effusion from experimental animals, but it is also possible to kill experimental animals and open the chest cavity to collect pleural effusion.
1. Puncture point: located in the 11th to 12th intercostal space of the posterior axillary line of the experimental animal. Because the puncture needle is close to the top of the ribs, it is easy to damage the intercostal nerves. You can also penetrate the 4-5th intercostal space near the chest wall on the left side of the chest wall.
2. Puncture method: The experimental animal is fixed in a standing or semi-lying position, and the local skin is depilated, disinfected and anesthetized. Connect the puncture needle and syringe with a three-way connection device. The experimenter used the left thumb and index finger to tighten the local skin, and the right hand tightly held the puncture needle. When the needle is inserted vertically into the lower edge of the ribs and penetrates the intercostal muscles, there is constant resistance. If there is no resistance and there is a feeling of loss, it means there is a hole in the chest cavity. Fix the puncture needle with your left hand, open the three-way connection device, and slowly drain the pleural exudate.