Expert Pericardiocentesis Procedure in Hyderabad at TX Hospitals
Pericardiocentesis is a medical procedure aimed at draining excess fluid from the pericardial sac. The pericardium is a double-walled membrane surrounding the heart, which contains a small amount of pericardial fluid that normally facilitates smooth heart movements. However, when excess fluid accumulates—due to trauma, disease, or other factors—it can exert pressure on the heart, leading to a condition known as cardiac tamponade, where the heart’s chambers are compressed and its function impaired. This results in decreased cardiac output, hypotension, and potentially life-threatening shock. Pericardiocentesis is done to alleviate the pressure and restore normal heart function.
Why is Pericardiocentesis Needed?
Pericardial effusion, which is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardium, can result from several conditions, including:
- Cancer, especially advanced or heart cancer
- Heart attack, particularly when the heart wall ruptures
- Tuberculosis or infections, including viral infections like COVID-19
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart or kidney failure
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Reactions to medications or radiation therapy
- Idiopathic causes (unknown causes)
In many instances, pericardiocentesis is carried out as an emergency procedure when the accumulation of fluid puts the heart’s ability to function at risk. TX Hospitals is the best hospital for heart surgery in Hyderabad, offering advanced cardiac care with expert cardiovascular surgeons, making it the ideal place to seek treatment for conditions requiring pericardiocentesis.
The Procedure
Before the Procedure
Once a diagnosis of pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade is confirmed, the doctor will evaluate the severity of the condition and determine the best approach. On the day of the procedure, you’ll be asked to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure, though clear liquids may be allowed up to 2 hours before.
If it’s not an emergency, you may receive local anesthesia before the procedure to numb the area. To give medicine and fluids, an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted.
During the Procedure
Pericardiocentesis is usually performed with imaging guidance, most commonly an ultrasound, to ensure accurate needle placement. In extreme emergencies, the procedure can be performed without imaging, but this carries higher risks.
The surgeon applies a local anaesthetic to the skin before passing a needle through the chest wall and into the pericardium.
The most common entry point is just beneath the breastbone (substernal), though alternative entry points may be used depending on the fluid’s location.
The surgeon will start draining the fluid as soon as the needle is positioned correctly. In some cases, a catheter may be left in place to continue draining fluid over time. The entire procedure typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes, with the patient being monitored throughout for any complications.
After the Procedure
The area will be cleansed and covered with a bandage after the fluid has been drained. To identify the root cause of the effusion, the fluid could be sent for laboratory investigation. A follow-up ultrasound will confirm that all fluid has been removed, and if a drain was placed, it will be monitored and removed once drainage stops.
Risks and Benefits
Benefits of Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis is a fast and less invasive alternative to surgery, often providing immediate relief from the symptoms of cardiac tamponade, such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Additionally, it can serve as a diagnostic tool to help identify the cause of fluid build-up, leading to more targeted treatment.
Risks and Complications
While generally safe, pericardiocentesis does carry some risks, including:
- Heart damage that results in bleeding, arrhythmias, or a heart attack
- Puncture of nearby organs, such as the lungs, liver, or diaphragm
- Infection at the needle insertion site, which can lead to sepsis
- The liquids or air entering the chest cavity.
These complications are rare, especially when imaging is used to guide the procedure. However, the risks are higher in emergency situations where imaging cannot be used.
Recovery and Outlook
After the procedure, most patients begin to feel better almost immediately as the fluid is drained. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition, but most people can resume normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided until suggested by doctor.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience any of the following after a pericardiocentesis, seek medical attention immediately:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
- Fever, chills, or redness around the insertion site (possible signs of infection)
- Light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting
Why Choose TX Hospitals?
TX Hospitals offers advanced cardiac care with a team of expert cardiovascular surgeons dedicated to providing exceptional treatment for conditions like pericardial effusion. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centered approach, we ensure the highest quality of care tailored to your specific needs. If you’re searching for a cardiovascular surgeon in Hyderabad near me, TX Hospitals is your trusted choice for exceptional heart health treatment
FAQs about Pericardiocentesis
It is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the pericardium to relieve pressure on the heart.
It treats pericardial effusion, which can compress the heart and cause symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia with imaging guidance to insert a needle and drain the fluid.
It provides quick relief from symptoms and can help identify the cause of fluid build-up.
Recovery is quick, with most patients feeling better in a few hours to days, though heavy activity should be avoided.
At TX Hospitals, our team of highly skilled cardiologists uses state-of-the-art equipment to perform pericardiocentesis with precision. We prioritize patient safety and comfort, ensuring the best possible care and quick recovery for all our heart patients.