What procedure is commonly utilized in the evaluation of Pleural Disorders?

Thoracentesis is commonly utilized in the evaluation of pleural disorders because it involves the removal of fluid from the pleural space for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This procedure allows healthcare providers to analyze the pleural fluid for various characteristics, such as color, clarity, and cell count, which can provide insights into the underlying conditions causing pleural effusion, such as infections, malignancies, or heart failure.

By obtaining and analyzing the pleural fluid, clinicians can differentiate between transudative and exudative effusions using criteria such as the Light's criteria. This distinction is critical for appropriate management and treatment of the underlying cause of the pleural disorder.

In contrast, other procedures listed have specific roles that are not primarily focused on evaluating pleural disorders. For example, a V/Q scan is mainly used to assess ventilation and perfusion in the lungs, right heart catheterization is used to evaluate pulmonary hypertension and heart function, and bronchoscopy is employed for visualizing and sampling the airways. These different focuses highlight why thoracentesis is the most appropriate procedure for evaluating conditions related to the pleura.