What is the primary purpose of a thoracostomy?

The primary purpose of a thoracostomy is to insert a chest tube. This procedure is typically performed to remove air, fluid, or blood from the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. By placing a chest tube, healthcare providers can help re-expand a collapsed lung, alleviate pressure, and improve breathing. This is critical in emergency situations, such as in cases of pneumothorax or pleural effusion, where there is a need to quickly correct a life-threatening condition.

Other options, while they may involve thoracic interventions, do not accurately define the main goal of a thoracostomy. For example, inserting a catheter, though related to medical procedures, does not specifically pertain to the chest or pleural space. Similarly, removing thoracic tissue and conducting a lung biopsy are surgical procedures that involve more extensive interventions and do not align with the immediate aims of a thoracostomy. Thus, the correct focus of a thoracostomy is indeed the insertion of a chest tube, designed specifically for managing issues within the pleural cavity.