Why Is Pericardiocentesis Performed?
How to Prepare for Pericardiocentesis?
What to Expect with This Procedure?
What Are the Risks Associated with Pericardiocentesis?
About Pericardiocentesis
Heart disease happens to be one of the leading causes of deaths all around the globe. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to remove fluid from around the heart. This procedure is often performed when there is a buildup of fluid around the heart, which can cause the heart to work harder and potentially lead to other problems. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart, and fluid is removed. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, your doctor may recommend this procedure.
Why Is Pericardiocentesis Performed?
Fluid around the heart can put pressure on the heart and make it difficult for the heart to pump blood. This can lead to heart failure. Pericardiocentesis can be used to relieve pressure on the heart that is caused by excess fluid, and help the heart function better. Pericardiocentesis is also performed to diagnose and treat various conditions, including the ones mentioned underneath:
- Pericarditis: This happens to be an inflammation that is caused in the pericardium.
- Cardiac tamponade: This is a condition in which the pericardium is so swollen that it presses on the heart and prevents it from beating properly.
- Pulmonary edema: This happens to be a condition wherein fluid tends to accumulate inside the patient’s lungs.
How to Prepare for Pericardiocentesis?
If you are scheduled for Pericardiocentesis, your doctor will likely give you specific instructions on how to prepare. In general, you will need to fast for four to six hours before the procedure. You may also be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners before the procedure.
What to Expect with This Procedure?
Pericardiocentesis is usually performed as a day procedure, which means you will be able to go home the same day. Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your heart. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, a needle will be inserted through your chest and into the pericardium (the sac around the heart). Once the needle is in place, a small amount of fluid will be removed. The fluid thus collected would be sent to the lab for further analysis.
After Pericardiocentesis
After Pericardiocentesis is performed, you would be carefully monitored in the hospital itself for checking if there are any complications. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. You may feel some soreness and discomfort around the procedure site, but this should improve within a few days.
What Are the Risks Associated with Pericardiocentesis?
Pericardiocentesis is generally a safe procedure, however, there is a small risk of infection and bleeding, but this is usually very minor. There is also a risk of damage to the heart or lungs.
Contact Dr. Arun
Pericardiocentesis is a safe and effective way to remove fluid from around the heart, and it can help to improve your overall health. If you have heart disease, it is important to connect to a specialist to know all of your treatment options. You can get in touch with Dr. Arun, who is specialized in this domain, and he can guide you well about the same.
