Pericardiocentesis: Guide to Pericardial Fluid Drainage Procedure
·5 mins
This content has been prepared for informational purposes to protect public health, in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey and medical ethical rules. It does not provide any diagnosis, treatment guarantees, or specific medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for the most accurate information. Pericardiocentesis is draining fluid accumulated between the pericardium (heart sac) and the heart with a needle. This interventional procedure, performed for both diagnostic (fluid analysis) and therapeutic purposes (in emergencies like tamponade), can be life-saving. In this guide, we detail the causes of pericardial effusion, the pericardiocentesis procedure, and the recovery process. What is Pericardiocentesis? # Pericardiocentesis is draining fluid accumulated in the pericardial space (the area between the membrane surrounding the heart and the heart itself) using a needle and catheter. Normally, this space contains only 15-50 ml of fluid that allows the heart to move freely.