Pleural puncture is an important technique but not difficult to perform. It is a mandatory requirement for emergency doctors to understand in order to release the patient's pleural cavity from air pressure by inserting a needle or catheter through the chest wall to drain the air out, restoring the integrity of the pleural cavity, helping the lungs expand, and restoring respiratory function.

Minimal pleural drainage or minimal pleurotomy is indicated to remove fluid or air from the pleural cavity by placing a pleural drainage tube through the chest wall.