Tube thoracostomy: a review for the interventional radiologist.

Small-caliber tube thoracostomy is a valuable treatment for various pathologic conditions of the pleural space. Smaller caliber tubes placed under image guidance are becoming increasingly useful in numerous situations, are less painful than larger surgical tubes, and provide more accurate positioning when compared with tubes placed without image guidance. Basic anatomy and physiology of the pleural space, indications, and contraindications of small caliber tube thoracostomy, techniques for image-guided placement, complications and management of tube thoracostomy, and fundamental principles of pleurodesis are discussed in this review.