How is pericardiocentesis typically performed?

With a needle.: A needle is introduced into the chest and through the pericardium ( the sac around the heart) into the pericardial space (between the pericardium and the heart) where excess fluid has accumulated. A flexible wire is advanced through the needle into the pericardial space and the needle is withdrawn. A flexible drain tube is advanced over the wire and the wire removed. The fluid is then drained.

By needle: The surgeon or cardiologist may do this with local or additional anesthesia depending on the issue. Fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or ct can be used to help guide the needle and / or/ catheter introduction through the skin, soft tissue, pericardium to get to the fluid or blood identified on the original test-echo.