Pericardiocentesis is a life-saving, minimally invasive procedure performed to remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac (the protective membrane surrounding the heart). When this fluid accumulates excessively, it can compress the heart—a condition called cardiac tamponade, which requires urgent intervention.
Pericardiocentesis urgently relieves pressure on the heart caused by fluid accumulation.
When is Pericardiocentesis Needed?
- Cardiac tamponade (life-threatening)
- Large pericardial effusion causing symptoms
- Suspected infection (TB pericardial effusion)
- Malignant pericardial effusion
- Uremic pericarditis
- Post-cardiac surgery effusions
- Diagnostic sampling of pericardial fluid
Symptoms of Pericardial Effusion
- Severe breathlessness
- Low blood pressure
- Chest discomfort
- Rapid heartbeat
- Distended neck veins
Procedure Overview: How Pericardiocentesis is Done
Step-by-step:
- Patient positioned with head elevated
- Local anesthesia given
- Needle inserted subxiphoid or apical approach
- Guided by echocardiography or fluoroscopy
- Fluid aspirated slowly
- A pigtail catheter may be left for continuous drainage
- Fluid sent for analysis (TB markers, cytology, infection tests)
