Pericardiocentesis

Pericardiocentesis is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted through the chest into the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) to remove excess fluid, called pericardial effusion, that has accumulated there. This procedure is done under local anesthesia or conscious sedation and is typically performed by a cardiologist or interventional radiologist. The procedure is performed to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart failure, which may occur due to the accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.