What are the complications of Pericardiocentesis?
The risks of pericardiocentesis include:
- Puncturing the heart, which may require surgery to repair.
- Puncturing the liver.
- Excess bleeding, which might compress the heart and affect its normal function.
- Air in the chest cavity.
- Infection.
- Abnormal heart rhythms (which can cause death in rare instances)
What happens when pericardial fluid decreases?
Pericardial effusion can lead to a life-threatening condition called cardiac tamponade. In this condition, your heart becomes too compressed to function normally. Cardiac tamponade is life threatening and must be treated immediately.
What happens if the pericardium is punctured?
Cardiac tamponade is usually the result of penetration of the pericardium, which is the thin, double-walled sac that surrounds your heart. The cavity around your heart can fill with enough blood or other bodily fluids to compress your heart. As the fluid presses on your heart, less and less blood can enter.
How safe is pericardiocentesis?
Pericardiocentesis is fairly safe, especially when imaging is used to guide the needle. But this procedure may: Bring on an irregular heart rhythm. Cause cardiac arrest.
What should I do after pericardiocentesis?
You should ask your doctor about what to expect after a pericardiocentesis. In general, you should be able to resume normal activities relatively soon after the procedure. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity until your doctor says it is OK to do so.
When do you do pericardiocentesis?
Pericardiocentesis is performed for medical patients either as a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure. Pericardiocentesis is indicated when either an acute or a chronic pericardial effusion causes cardiac tamponade.
When is Cardiocentesis used?
A pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to treat the buildup of fluid in the pericardium, which is the sac encasing the heart. Sometimes referred to as a pericardial tap, pericardiocentesis can help alleviate symptoms caused by pleural and pericardial mesothelioma.
What are the risks and complications of pericardiocentesis?
Risks and Complications. Pericardiocentesis is generally a safe procedure, but as with any procedure, it involves certain risks and complications. These may include: Collapsed lung. Heart attack. Irregular heart rhythm. Bleeding and infection. Punctured liver, stomach, lung or heart.
How is a pericardiocentesis catheter procedure done?
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.
How is the pericardium related to the heart?
The pericardium or pericardial sac is a double-layered membrane surrounding the heart. It is filled with a small amount of fluid, which allows the smooth pumping of the heart and decreases friction between the pericardial layers.
What are the risks of a pericardial catheter procedure?
Possible risks include: After the procedure, the site of the catheter should be checked regularly for any signs of infection. Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored after the procedure, and your doctor will decide when to send you home.
