Why is this procedure done?
The heart sits in a thin sac of tissue called the pericardium. Fluid may build up in this sac and push against the heart. This is pericardial effusion. The pressure on the heart from this extra fluid may cause blood flow from the heart to be less. This is cardiac tamponade. ‚
A pericardiocentesis is done to ease pressure and drain extra fluid from around the heart. The fluid that is removed may help doctors learn what caused the fluid to build up. This may be done as a scheduled or emergency procedure. ‚
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What will the results be?
- The extra fluid will be removed.
- The heart can return to normal function.
- The doctor may find the cause of the extra fluid.
What happens before the procedure?
- During an emergency, there are no preparations needed.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
- Your doctor may order:
- Blood tests
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- If you are in an ICU, this can be done at the bedside in an emergency.
- Once you are in the procedure room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. The doctor will give you a drug to calm and relax you.
- Your heart and oxygen in your blood will be watched.
- The doctor will clean the area below your breastbone and numb it. With the help of other tools like ultrasound and fluoroscopy, the doctor will put a needle through your chest into the sac around your heart and remove some of the extra fluid.
- The doctor may also put a rubber tube called a catheter over the needle. The fluid will drain through the catheter into a container. The doctor will remove the catheter once enough fluid has drained out. Pressure will be held on the site and a bandage will be placed over the area.
- The procedure takes 20 to 60 minutes.
- In some cases, the catheter is left in place to drain the extra fluid over a few hours to days.
What happens after the procedure?
- The staff will carefully monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart function after the procedure.
- The doctor will order a chest x-ray to look at your heart and lungs.
- Your doctor will send a sample of the fluid to the lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
- Your doctor will tell you when you may go home.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Follow your doctors orders.
- Ask your doctor when you can go back to your normal activities.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Low blood pressure
- Heart is not working as well
- Heartbeat not normal
- Collapsed lung
- Fluid builds up around the lungs. This is pleural effusion.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Trouble breathing
- Very bad pain at the site
- Lots of bleeding from the site
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/peri/treatment.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚