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Pericardiocentesis

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Pericardiocentesis or cardioparacentesis is the drainage of fluid from the pericardial cavity. It is indicated for:

  • treatment of pericardial effusion; often used in the emergency situation for relief of pericardial tamponade
  • diagnosis of cause of effusion

There are two approaches to the pericardial sac:

  • infrasternal angle:
    • pass hollow needle between left side of xiphisternum and costal cartilage
    • direct needle superiorly, posteriorly and slightly laterally
  • fifth or sixth intercostal space:
    • left interspace is traversed by needle or dissected out close to the sternum
    • care must be taken to identify and avoid the internal thoracic vessels
    • more suitable site for long-term drainage of an effusion by passage of a tube

The patient should be monitored by ECG; when the needle impinges upon the pericardium, abnormal electrical activity may be witnessed.

Note that paracentesis is also used to describe the drainage of ascites.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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