Pericardiocentesis is best described as which procedure?

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Multiple Choice

Pericardiocentesis is best described as which procedure?

Explanation:
Draining fluid from the pericardial space to relieve pressure on the heart is what pericardiocentesis does. This percutaneous procedure uses a needle or small catheter to aspirate pericardial effusion, often guided by ultrasound and performed emergently to rapidly improve ventricular filling and cardiac output in tamponade. It’s the go-to treatment when fluid buildup compresses the heart. It differs from a surgical removal of part of the pericardium (pericardiectomy), from injecting dye into the coronary arteries (coronary angiography), and from placing a pacemaker.

Draining fluid from the pericardial space to relieve pressure on the heart is what pericardiocentesis does. This percutaneous procedure uses a needle or small catheter to aspirate pericardial effusion, often guided by ultrasound and performed emergently to rapidly improve ventricular filling and cardiac output in tamponade. It’s the go-to treatment when fluid buildup compresses the heart. It differs from a surgical removal of part of the pericardium (pericardiectomy), from injecting dye into the coronary arteries (coronary angiography), and from placing a pacemaker.

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