Pericardiocentesis Procedure

Pericardiocentesis is a procedure that removes fluid building up in the sac around the heart, an area called the pericardium. It is done using a needle and a tiny catheter to drain the excess fluid.

The fibrous sac surrounding the heart called the pericardium, is made of two thin layers. The layers are filled with fluid that reduces friction between them as they rub against each other when the heart beats. However, when too much fluid builds up between these two layers, the condition is called pericardial effusion. In these conditions, the normal functioning of the heart is affected. Pericardiocentesis is then required to drain the fluid and prevent future build-up of fluid.