Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Nov 1980
Case ReportsA simple method for continuous pericardial drainage.
Needle pericardiocentesis is performed routinely for relief of symptoms in patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. In many patients however, reaccumulation of fluid requires further aspiration or surgical drainage, occasionally as a matter of urgency. ⋯ Introduction into the pericardium is simple, safe, and can be performed quickly without specialised equipment. This procedure is described and illustrated in patients with tuberculous and rheumatoid pericarditis.