Condition
Percutaneous pericardiocentesis
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.Published 1 May 20051 min read
Key points
- Pericardiocentesis involves the use of a needle to withdraw fluid from the pericardial sac (membrane that surrounds the heart).
- The procedure may be used to remove fluid that is compressing the heart, or the fluid may be evaluated for diagnostic purposes.
Alternative names
Pericardial tap; Pericardiocentesis
Definition
Pericardiocentesis involves the use of a needle to withdraw fluid from the pericardial sac (membrane that surrounds the heart). The procedure may be used to remove fluid that is compressing the heart, or the fluid may be evaluated for diagnostic purposes.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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