Pericardiocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid that has built up in the sac around the heart (pericardium). It's done using a needle and small catheter to drain excess fluid.
A fibrous sac known as the pericardium surrounds the heart. This sac is made of two thin layers with a small amount of fluid between them. This fluid reduces friction between the layers as they rub against each other when the heart beats. In some cases, too much fluid builds up between these two layers. This is called pericardial effusion. When this happens, it can affect the normal function of the heart. Pericardiocentesis drains this fluid and prevents future fluid buildup.
During pericardiocentesis, a doctor inserts a needle through the chest wall and into the tissue around the heart. Once the needle is inside the pericardium, the doctor inserts a long, thin tube called a catheter. The doctor uses the catheter to drain excess fluid. The catheter may come right out after the procedure. Or it may stay in place for several hours or overnight. This is to make sure all the fluid has drained, and to prevent fluid from building up again. This procedure is done under local anaesthesia.
Collection of fluid in the Pericardial Sac
Many medical conditions can cause fluid to build up around the heart. This fluid buildup can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. This may be treatable with medicine. In other cases, this fluid buildup is life threatening and needs draining right away.
Pericardiocentesis can help drain the fluid around the heart. And it can help diagnose the cause of the extra fluid. Conditions that can cause pericardial effusion include:
Sometimes the cause of fluid buildup is unknown.
Pericardiocentesis is not the only method to remove fluid around the heart. However, it is preferred because it is less invasive than surgery. Sometimes doctors surgically drain the fluid. This may be done in people who have had chronic fluid buildup or inflammation, in people who might need part of the pericardium removed, or in people whose fluid has certain characteristics.
The samples are sent for various examinations for diagnosis. Which generally takes a week time. Patient is kept in the ICU for one day to drain the remaining fluid as the catheter is kept inside the pericardium till no fluid comes out. The next day patient is generally shifted to the ward/room and discharged. Reports are followed during 1st OPD follow visit.