In the emergency setting, a large number of patients suffer from pleuropulmonary complications. Many of these require initial treatment with a pleural drain.

This medical-surgical procedure, which appears simple and accessible to all physicians, is not without complications. For this reason, its proper indication and correct technique are crucial for resolving various thoracic pathologies, especially in emergency cases.

Both drainage and its subsequent management should not be exclusive to thoracic surgeons (who are not present in all hospitals). Most specialists involved in emergency and respiratory care should be familiar with this technique and its care in order to provide better quality care to our patients.

To this end, we have designed this practical activity that aims to emphasize the indications for pleural drainage, the different placement techniques, the main instruments and devices for managing drains, and their complications.

As a complementary activity, and no less important, the practice of placing percutaneous central venous lines is incorporated.