Inserting the needle into the 9th intercostal space, midaxillary line during expiration will avoid the inferior border of the lung.

Pleural space: Midcavicular line: 6-8th ribs Midaxillary line: 8-10th ribs Paravertebral line: 10-12nd ribs

So physician must insert a needle in 8-10th ribs in midaxillary line; but insertion below the 9th rib still has a risk to damage abdominal organs such as liver. Upper border of 9th rib is fine.

Uw question ID: 844