General Information
DEFINITION--The needle aspiration of excess fluid from the pericardial sac.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Pericardium, a 2-layered membrane that surrounds the heart
and the roots of the great blood vessels (aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein and vena
cava).
REASONS FOR SURGERY--To remove abnormal fluid collections between the
pericardium layers. The fluid may be there because the heart is inflamed, infected or
injured (fluid may be blood).
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--Cardiothoracic surgeon; cardiologist (sometimes).
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Chest x-rays; CT scan; sonogram (See Glossary
for both).
- During surgery: Chest x-rays.
- After surgery: Chest x-rays; fluid examination.
ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- Patient lies down on back with upper torso elevated about 60 degrees with arms supported
by pillows.
- An I.V. is started and local anesthetic injected.
- The pericardiocentesis needle is inserted into chest wall between the left rib margin
adjacent to the breastbone, usually into the space between the 5th and 6th ribs.
- The needle is advanced until fluid can be aspirated.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Heartbeat irregularities, inadvertent organ or artery
puncture (all rare).
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day for procedure. Total time varies according to
underlying disorder.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Successful removal of fluid allowing normal heart function to
resume.
Postoperative Care
GENERAL MEASURES
- Blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate will be measured and recorded.
- No smoking.
† You may use non--
prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
- Avoid aspirin.
ACTIVITY---Avoid vigorous exercise until your doctor determines healing is
complete.
† Low-salt; low--
Call Your Doctor If
Any of the following occurs:
- You become short of breath.
- You become anxious.
- Chest pain worsens.
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