Pericardiocentesis should only be performed by healthcare workers familiar with the anatomy of the heart. This is not a learning procedure for a first timer as it has the potential to cause serious injury to the heart. The procedure should follow strict aseptic rules using personnel from the operating room or cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Pericardiocentesis is performed for medical patients either as a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure. Pericardiocentesis is indicated when either an acute or a chronic pericardial effusion causes cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis in acute or chronic pericardial effusions without evidence of cardiac tamponade and other non-emergent situations is indicated for diagnosis of the underlying etiology of the effusion by obtaining pericardial fluid for laboratory analysis, for palliation of symptoms including dyspnea or edema, or to prevent progression of the effusion to pericardial tamponade an emergent situation.  In the acute setting, only a small amount of pericardiac fluid (100-150 mL) is necessary to cause cardiac tamponade while in chronic pericardial effusions as much as 1-2 L of pericardial fluid may accumulate as long as the parietal pericardium has adequate time to adjust to the increasing volume. Pericardiocentesis can be performed at the bedside in the same manner as for traumatic pericardial tamponade, or the patient may be resuscitated with IV fluids and taken the cardiac catheterization lab for pericardiocentesis performed using TTE or fluoroscopic guidance and with monitoring of right-sided heart pressures. In situations where reaccumulation of pericardial fluid is expected a pericardial drain may be to facilitate serial drainage.

Anatomic approaches to pericardiocentesis include needle insertion via the subxiphoid approach or anterior chest. Both may be performed using either ultrasound or fluoroscopy for guidance. The area is prepped and draped in a sterile fashion, and a large bore (20 gauge or larger) needle of sufficient length is then inserted through the skin and into the pericardial sac. If the pericardiocentesis is being performed blind (without real-time guidance via TTE or fluoroscopy) and fluid is not encountered on the first pass then the needle is withdrawn to the skin and adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator moving sequentially across the anticipated position of the heart and pericardial sac until fluid is encountered.

Complications of pericardiocentesis include injury to the myocardium with the potential for hemorrhage into the pericardium and pericardial tamponade, pneumothorax, injury to the great vessels, injury to the liver or abdominal viscera, arrhythmia, and infection.[6][7]

Pericardiocentesis is a life-saving procedure. Failure to perform the procedure when indicated will result in pericardial tamponade and death.

Over the years several methods have been used to differentiate the fluid from the pericardium and the cardiac cavity. None is perfect, and one must use clinical judgment. If the aspirated fluid forms a lot, then the fluid is from a cardiac chamber, whereas pericardial fluid does not clot. The pericardial fluid should have a lower hematocrit or hemoglobin level compared to the blood. If an intracardiac injection of fluorescein is performed, then one may see the fluorescein in the conjunctiva.

If the heart chamber has been entered with the needle, one should pull out the needle and observe the patient. In most cases, there will be no leakage of blood into the pericardial cavity. However, if the pericardium starts to accumulate blood, a cardiac surgeon should be notified right away. Closing a hole in the myocardium while the heart is beating requires skill and the most important thing is not to occlude any nearby coronary artery.

Pericardiocentesis is a major procedure with the potential of causing life-threatening injuries. The procedure is always performed by a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon or radiologist but the role of the pharmacist and nurse is indispensable. The pharmacist may be required to assist in pain control. Prior to the procedure, the patient must have an informed consent and be told about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Patient positioning and monitoring during and after the procedure are also major requirements. While the procedure is done under local anesthesia, the nurse often provides assurance and comfort to the patient, while at the same time, monitoring the vital signs. After the procedure, the patient is maintained at bed rest for 12-24 hours but the vitals needs to be monitored until stable. If a drain is left inside the pericardium, the nurse should record the drainage every shift. [8][9](Level III)

Outcomes

Pericardiocentesis, when done in the hands of experienced physicians, has good outcomes but complication rates still occur in about 5-40% of cases. Most complications present early and need immediate attention. The use of ultrasound or fluoroscopy is highly recommended to lower the risk of complications. [7][10](Level III)