This is still not enough. Based on the imaging studies, the area with the most fluid accumulation is likely near the liver. In other words, the puncture must be performed at the eleventh intercostal space. Drawing fluid must be done from the area with the most accumulation; otherwise, it's ineffective.
"Tell me the depth for needle insertion," Xin Yanjun whispered to the student.
It's not that this location can't be accessed, but the key is for the doctor to have a thorough understanding of the internal organ layout in this region of the patient. The liver is here, and it is positioned near the lungs. The needle depth must avoid touching the liver to prevent hepatic bleeding. At the same time, the depth must be sufficient; otherwise, puncturing only the fat layer won't yield any pleural fluid. The fact that this patient is obese introduces a significant degree of difficulty for the procedure.
