What Causes Pericardiocentesis?
Pericardiocentesis is a procedure that uses a needle to remove fluid from the pericardial sac, the tissue that surrounds the heart.
Alternative Names
Pericardial tap; Percutaneous pericardiocentesis
How the test is performed
The procedure is usually done in an intensive care unit's procedure room or even at the bedside.
A health care provider will put an
More information on "What Causes Pericardiocentesis?"
From Our Sources
Cardiac tamponade
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Tamponade; Pericardial tamponadeTreatmentCardiac tamponade is an emergency condition that requires hospitalization.The fluid around the heart must be... Read more »
Pericarditis
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
Prevention Because pericarditis can be the result of so many very different illnesses, there are no routine guidelines to prevent the condition. In... Read more »
Pericarditis
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Ankle, feet, and leg swelling (occasionally) Anxiety Breathing difficulty when lying down Chest... Read more »
Pericarditis: after heart attack
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Dressler syndrome; Post-MI pericarditis; Post-cardiac injury syndrome; Postcardiotomy pericarditisTreatmentThe goal of treatment is to make the heart... Read more »
Pericarditis: bacterial
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Purulent pericarditisTreatmentThe goal of treatment is to cure the infection.Medications include:Antibiotics to treat bacterial infectionsAnalgesics... Read more »
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
