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Percutaneous Pericardial Drain: A Deadly Embrace Of The Heart
Filipe Leite1, Gonçalo Paupério1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal.
Insights
Percutaneous drainage of pericardial effusions is usually safe. However, one case showed a drain encircling the heart, necessitating surgical removal due to severe patient distress.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Pericardial effusions are fluid accumulation around the heart, with diverse etiologies.
- Percutaneous drainage is a common, minimally invasive treatment for significant effusions.
- Standard drain removal is typically uncomplicated and low-risk.
Abstract:
Pericardial effusions have multiple causes and when significant percutaneous drainage is standard. Usually removal is a simple and quick procedure with reduced risks. Still, the authors present a case were the drain surrounded the heart and great vessels, causing severe pain, bradycardia and hypotension when pulled, forcing a surgical removal of the same.
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