Med Klin
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[A new paracentesis needle for ascites and pleural effusion compared with the venous indwelling catheter. A prospective, randomized study].
Diagnostic or therapeutic paracentesis of ascites or pleural effusions is part of the daily routine on many hospital wards and in outpatient clinics. In Germany, paracentesis is usually performed with angiocaths. However, the therapeutic large volume paracentesis of ascites and paracentesis of pleural effusions with angiocaths is often cumbersome and quite often paracentesis fails, forcing the physician to repuncture. This is mainly due to the fact that angiocaths are not designed for such interventions. ⋯ The paracentesis needle was objectively superior as compared to the angiocath. It might help to avoid additional complications due to repuncture and it will increase the patients' comfort.