Paracentesis Course

Paracentesis is a procedure to aspirate ascitic fluid from the peritoneal cavity. A diagnostic paracentesis can be performed for to determine the etiology of ascites or a therapeutic paracentesis can be performed for symptomatic ascites.  The paracentesis course uses advanced ultrasound-compatible simulators and Caldwell needles to train clinicians how to perform an ultrasound-guided paracentesis.  This course also covers ascitic fluid analysis, the management of refractory ascites, diuretic-resistant ascites, and how to manage paracentesis complications.

Our paracentesis training is a component of our live Hospitalist and Emergency Procedures CME course which teaches clinicians how to perform the 20 most essential procedures needed to work in the ER, ICU, and hospital wards.

CLICK HERE to find out more about our premier live Hospitalist and Emergency Procedures CME course

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Paracentesis Lab Photos

Paracentesis Simulator

Paracentesis Video

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Paracentesis Course trains students in:

  • Indications for a paracentesis
  • Contraindications for a paracentesis
  • Complications of a paracentesis
  • Equipment for a paracentesis
  • Proper positioning and technique for a paracentesis
  • Ultrasound-guided paracentesis
  • Paracentesis troubleshooting
  • Ascitic fluid analysis
  • Coding for a paracentesis

Paracentesis Photos

Paracentesis Reference Card

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Paracentesis Blogs

Informed Consent and Ethical Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
COVID, CPAP, CPR, emergent intubation, Endotracheal Intubation, Featured, Informed consent, noninvasive ventilation, NPPV
Informed consent can be challenging during “normal” times, but it has become increasingly complicated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The informed consent process ensures that a patient or their surrogate decision-maker understands the benefits, potential risks and any alternatives of a…
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Tube Thoracostomy Insertion

Safety of Thoracentesis and Tube Thoracostomy in Patients with Uncorrected Coagulopathies

Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
Anticoagulants and Procedures, Anticoagulation, Antiplatelet therapy, antiplatelets, Chest tube, chest tube placement, chest tubes, coagulopathy, Featured, Thoracentesis
Traditionally, it was felt that the INR had to be less than 1.5 and platelets had to be at least 50,000/µL to perform most bedside procedures. With more clinical evidence, we now know that low-risk bedside procedures can be performed…
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Thoracentesis Course

Thoracentesis-Associated Pneumothorax is Rare when Performed by Procedural Experts Using Ultrasound Guidance

Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
Featured Procedure, HPC Updates, Pneumothorax, Thoracentesis, Ultrasound-Guided Thoracentesis
Original studies of ultrasound-guided thoracentesis concluded a 2% risk of pneumothorax. A recent single center study of 9320 thoracenteses over 12 years all by procedural experts had pneumothorax rate of 0.6%. This same study also demonstrated a very low incidence…
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Hospitalist and Emergency Procedures CME Courses Available

Register HERE 21 days before the course to SAVE $50-150 and get the following:

  1. 12 month online access to Online CME course, procedure video bundle, instructional posters
  2. Indefinite online access to PDFs of all course lectures, course handouts, and HPC Adult Critical Care and Emergency Drug Reference Drug
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