What is pericardiocentesis?

• A. A procedure to remove fluid from the pericardial sac.
• B. A surgical repair of the pericardium.
• C. A test for pericardial friction rub.
• D. A device to measure heart pressure.

Answer: (A)

Removing fluid from the pericardial sac is what this procedure does. Pericardiocentesis is used when fluid accumulates around the heart (pericardial effusion) and can compress the heart, causing tamponade and reduced cardiac output. A needle, often with a small catheter, is guided into the pericardial space—typically with ultrasound—to aspirate the fluid and relieve the pressure, which helps the heart fill more effectively. It may also provide fluid for analysis to help determine the cause of the effusion. Risks include injury to the heart or nearby vessels, pneumothorax, infection, and recurrence of fluid. The other described actions—surgical repair of the pericardium, testing for a friction rub, or using a device to measure heart pressures—do not involve removing pericardial fluid.