Abstract
A pericardial effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. If it develops over a chronic period of time, the pericardium can dilate to accommodate the fluid. However, if it occurs acutely, rapid hemodynamic compromise ensues due to cardiac compression. Causes of pericardial effusion can be acute, subacute, or chronic. Indications for pericardiocentesis include therapeutic, diagnostic, or palliative. Informed consent should be obtained as there are several well-described risks. The procedure should be performed on telemetry, with appropriate intravenous access and supplemental oxygen, and under sterile precautions whenever possible. Ultrasound guidance is also recommended.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Lewis, M., Biswas, S., Shavelle, D. (2018). Pericardiocentesis. In: Demetriades, D., Inaba, K., Lumb, P. (eds) Atlas of Critical Care Procedures . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78367-3_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78367-3_16
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-78366-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-78367-3
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)