Pericardial Drainage

Pericardiocentesis

Why It Is Done

Pericardial drainage is done to:

• Relieve pressure on the heart.
• Find the cause of pericardial effusion.
• Remove blood or excess fluid after a heart attack or a serious injury, such as a gunshot or stab wound.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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