Which procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the pleural space?

The procedure that involves the insertion of a needle into the pleural space is pneumocentesis. This specific procedure is performed to either remove fluid from the pleural space or to introduce air, depending on the clinical indication. The pleural space is the thin fluid-filled space between the two pleurae of each lung, and accessing it via a needle can aid in diagnostic or therapeutic interventions for conditions such as pleural effusion.

In contrast, thoracostomy involves creating an opening in the chest wall, often for the placement of a drainage tube to remove air or fluid from the pleural cavity, but it does not specifically refer to a needle insertion. Paracentesis involves the insertion of a needle into the abdominal cavity rather than the pleural space, and is typically utilized to remove excess fluid from the peritoneal cavity. A biopsy is a procedure where tissue samples are taken for analysis but does not specifically refer to the insertion of a needle into the pleural space. Thus, pneumocentesis is the most accurate term that pertains to needle insertion into the pleural space.