While a small amount of fluid around the heart is normal, excessive fluid build-up, known as a pericardial effusion, can place pressure on the heart and affect its ability to pump blood effectively. Pericardiocentesis can provide both diagnostic information and immediate relief of symptoms.
Why Might I Need Pericardiocentesis?
Your cardiologist may recommend pericardiocentesis if fluid around the heart is causing symptoms or affecting heart function.
Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Swelling of the legs or abdomen
The procedure may also be performed to obtain fluid samples to help determine the underlying cause of the effusion.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic using ultrasound and imaging guidance.
A fine needle is carefully inserted through the chest wall into the pericardial space, and a catheter may be placed temporarily to drain the excess fluid safely.
Throughout the procedure, your heart rhythm, blood pressure and overall condition are monitored closely.
Benefits of Pericardiocentesis
- Relieves pressure on the heart
- Improves symptoms caused by fluid build-up
- Helps restore normal heart function
- Provides diagnostic information to guide treatment
Recovery and Follow-Up
Following the procedure, patients are monitored to ensure the fluid does not reaccumulate and that heart function remains stable. Additional investigations may be recommended depending on the underlying cause of the effusion.
related treatments & procedures
Explore related treatments and procedures that may be relevant to your care.
Get in touch
Please note that with increased demand, and long NHS waits, our services and office are under more demand than ever. As a result our staff are exceptionally busy and often working under great pressure.