Pericardiocentesis

Procedures & Monitoring · ICU Decoded chapter 84 · Free in full

Cited to ESC pericardial guidance.

Key points

Diagnose tamponade clinically and on echo: RA/RV diastolic collapse, plethoric IVC, and pulsus paradoxus.
Use an echo-guided subxiphoid or apical approach; draining even 50–100 mL restores output.
Avoid in aortic dissection (surgery instead); hemopericardium/trauma gets a surgical window.
Send fluid for cells, protein, Gram/culture, cytology; leave a drain if it recurs.

← Fluid Responsiveness Testing · ECMO & ECLS →

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