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[Contrast medium echocardiography-assisted pericardial drainage]
G Caspari1, T Bartel, S Möhlenkamp
1Abteilung für Kardiologie, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Universität GH Essen. guido.caspari@uni-essen.de
Herz
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis with contrast agents offers a safe and effective method for draining pericardial effusions, significantly reducing complications compared to traditional approaches.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Procedures
Background:
- Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade require fluid removal.
- Traditional methods like surgical pericardiotomy and blind pericardiocentesis have high complication rates.
- Echocardiography guidance improves safety and efficacy of pericardiocentesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of echocardiographically guided contrast-enhanced pericardiocentesis.
- To assess the success rate and complication profile of this minimally invasive procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 126 patients undergoing percutaneous pericardiocentesis with echocardiographic and contrast guidance.
- Apical or subxiphoidal approach used based on effusion localization.
- Pigtail catheter drainage for up to 48 hours.
Main Results:
- 99% procedural success rate with no deaths or clinical complications.
- Significant reduction in pericardial effusion volume (mean 605 ml drained).
- 14% recurrence rate, with most successfully managed by repeat pericardiocentesis.
Conclusions:
- Echocardiographically guided contrast-enhanced pericardiocentesis is safe, effective, and cost-efficient.
- Improves accuracy and safety in diagnosing and treating pericardial effusions.
- Suitable for recurrent effusions, offering an alternative to surgery.