Overview
A catheter is inserted in the chest to drain fluid from between the heart and the sac surrounding it, the pericardium. This procedure is used to treat chronic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade; it can also be used as a diagnostic test for cancer, heart failure, aneurysm, pericarditis or general infection. It has a less than 5% risk of causing injury to the heart, so many doctors prefer not to use it as a diagnostic test.
This procedure may require that the patient remain in the hospital for up to 3 days following the operation, for the fluid to properly drain.
Detailed Description
The patient lies on the operating table with his or her chest at an angle of 30-60 degrees. The patient will be given an IV in the arm. The doctor will first insert a needle attached to a syringe through the chest and pericardium. He or she may use an echocardiogram to guide the needle to the proper position. The doctor will then fill the syringe with fluid. If more fluid needs to be drained, the doctor will replace the needle with a catheter. If the procedure is used as a treatment rather than a diagnostic, this catheter may remain in place for up to 3 days in order to drain enough fluid.
Last updated: 31-May-04
