Interventional procedures in the pediatric chest: Biopsy and drainage

Interventional procedures in the adult chest are well described and practiced. Many of the same procedures, although somewhat less commonly employed, also apply in pediatric settings. In the realm of chest intervention, probably the biggest impact in pediatric disease has been the percutaneous drainage of empyema and parenchymal abscesses. In this article, techniques, with emphasis on special applications in regard to children, and sedations appropriate for various intrathoracic procedures, highlighting percutaneous drainage, are discussed.