Pericardiocentesis

Question 1

What is tamponade?

Answer 1

Accumulation of fluid between pericardial sac and the myocardium

Question 2

Why is tamponade an issue?

Answer 2

The accumulation of fluid between the pericardial sac and myocardium may compress the heart and prevent diastolic refill

Question 3

What are the most common causes of tamponade?

Answer 3

Bleeding into the pericardial sac following:

• Blunt chest trauma
• Cardiac surgery
• Should also be suspected in PEA

Question 4

What is the treatment for tamponade?

Answer 4

• pericardiocentesis

- -> Removes fluid to allow for ventricular filling and restoration of CO

Question 5

What does pericardiocentesis involve?

Answer 5

• Pericardiocentesis needle attached to a 50mL syringe by a 3 way stopcock is inserted from the right side of the xiphoid process aimed at the Lt) scapula.
• Fluid is aspirated.