A method and apparatus for fluid removal from a patient includes a disposable fluid removal subassembly and a portable drive subassembly that manage controlled extraction of a fluid from a patient. The fluid removal subassembly is configured for accessing a fluid filled cavity of a patient and also coupled with a fluid flow inducer having an inflow fluid intake and an outflow fluid output. The entire fluid removal subassembly, inclusive of a connector, a fluid conduit, and the fluid flow inducer, but exclusive of the outflow fluid output and a collection bag, is fluidly sealed from an external environment, and un-vented to the external environment. The fluid removal system enables a closed-loop fluid path between the patient through to the fluid flow inducer, which is under direct control by the patient of flow rate and therefore resulting pressure in the fluid path.
