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Internal transcardiac pericardiocentesis for acute tamponade
J D Fisher1, S G Kim, K J Ferrick
1The Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10467, USA. jfisher@montefiore.org
The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 13, 2000
Summary
A catheter left in the pericardium during procedures can relieve cardiac tamponade through aspiration. This intervention offers physiological and psychological benefits for patients and medical teams.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Cardiac tamponade is a critical complication during cardiac catheterization and electrophysiologic procedures.
- Prompt recognition and management are essential for patient survival.
Observation:
- The presence of a catheter within the pericardial space during tamponade events.
- The potential for utilizing the indwelling catheter for therapeutic intervention.
Findings:
- A catheter remaining in the pericardium can be effectively used for definitive aspiration.
- This technique provides direct relief of tamponade, addressing the immediate hemodynamic compromise.
Implications:
- This approach offers a physiologically beneficial solution for managing tamponade.
- It also provides psychological relief for both patients and healthcare professionals facing this emergency.