Episode 35: Pleural effusions with Dr. David Feller-Kopman

In this episode of the ACCRAC podcast, Jed Wolpaw interviews Dr. David Feller-Kopman, an expert in interventional pulmonology, about pleural effusions. They discuss the definition, causes, and categorization of pleural effusions, including the use of Light's criteria to differentiate between transudates and exudates. The conversation covers diagnostic methods, emphasizing the utility of ultrasound over chest x-rays, and explores treatment options such as thoracentesis, chest tube placement, and the use of TPA and DNase for empyemas. They also discuss the management of malignant pleural effusions with tunneled pleural catheters and touch on contraindications for chest tube placement, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary care involving pleural disease specialists.