An abrading device and method for irritating and blotting a membrane, particularly the pleural membrane. The method uses a device which is small enough to be inserted and withdrawn through a thoracoport. The device includes a proximal end configured to be gripped by a surgeon and a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient. A stainless steel shaft connects the distal and proximal ends of the abrading device. The distal end includes a series of nylon bristles. The bristles are attached to the device wire wrapped around the distal end of the device. The connecting shaft and wrapped wire are malleable. Once the device is inserted, the surgeon grips the proximal end and manipulates the device so that the series of nylon bristles abrades the walls of the pleural space. Once the abrading process is complete, the surgeon can easily withdraw the device back through the thoracoport.
