ABSTRACT
Figure 35.2 Assembly. When properly assembled, the paracentesis catheter attached to sterile tubing provides a sealed system for ascites removal. The tip of the 14-gauge, 5-cm long paracentesis needle is fi xed to an 18-cm catheter that has a hub to attach a three-way stopcock, also supplied. An aspiration syringe can be placed onto the stopcock to regulate fl ow during the procedure and to obtain samples for laboratory analyses. The distal end of the stopcock is connected to a drainage tube with a needle that can be used to puncture sterile collection bottles.
