Open AccessComplications of pericardiocentesis: A clinical synopsis
Author(s) -
Rajan Kumar,
Archana Sinha,
Maggie J. Lin,
Reina Uchino,
Tracy Butryn,
Michael Shay O’Mara,
Sudip Nanda,
Jamshid Shirani,
Stanislaw P Stawicki
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of critical illness and injury science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.274
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2231-5004
pISSN - 2229-5151
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5151.165007
Subject(s) - pericardiocentesis , medicine , cardiac tamponade , tamponade , clinical practice , pericardial fluid , pericardial effusion , surgery , intensive care medicine , general surgery , physical therapy
Pericardiocentesis (PC) is both a diagnostic and a potentially life-saving therapeutic procedure. Currently echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is considered the standard clinical practice in the treatment of large pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade. Although considered relatively safe, this invasive procedure may be associated with certain risks and potentially serious complications. This review provides a summary of pericardiocentesis and a focused overview of the potential complications of this procedure.