Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pericardiocentesis
Pronunciation: per-ih-kar-dee-oh-sen-TEE-sis
Procedure to remove fluid from the pericardial space around the heart.
Full Definition
Pericardiocentesis is a procedure performed to remove excess fluid from the pericardial space, typically for diagnostic purposes or to treat cardiac tamponade. The procedure involves inserting a needle through the chest wall into the pericardial space, often guided by echocardiography or fluoroscopy. Emergency pericardiocentesis may be life-saving in cases of acute tamponade, while elective procedures allow for fluid analysis and symptomatic relief in chronic effusions.
Usage
Usage note: Specify guidance method (echo-guided, fluoroscopic) when documenting the procedure.
In Context
- "Emergency pericardiocentesis relieved the patient's hemodynamic compromise." — emergency department note
- "Echo-guided pericardiocentesis yielded 300 mL of hemorrhagic fluid." — procedure report
Also known as
pericardial tap
Don't confuse with
thoracentesis
pericardial window