Pericardiocentesis is an invasive procedure. It uses a needle and catheter to obtain fluid from your pericardium. The fluid can then be sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination for abnormal cells. This test is often used to help diagnose an infection, cancer, or the cause of extra fluid surrounding your heart.

When is a pericardiocentesis performed?

Pericardiocentesis is a procedure performed to remove pericardial fluid from the pericardial sac. It is often performed in the setting of pericardial tamponade to correct hypotension due to decreased stroke volume from extrinsic compression of the chambers of the heart.

What are the indications for pericardial puncture?

The indication for emergent pericardiocentesis is the presence of life-threatening hemodynamic changes in a patient with suspected cardiac tamponade.