Emergency drainage of pericardial fluid for tamponade. Overview only — performed by trained clinician under ECHO.
Indications
- • Cardiac tamponade with hemodynamic compromise
Contraindications
- ⚠ No absolute in tamponade
Equipment
- • ECHO
- • 18-G spinal needle attached to 3-way tap and syringe
- • Guidewire, dilator, pigtail catheter
Positioning
- • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.
Consent
- • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
- • Explain risks & complications
- • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
- • Document consent
Universal precautions
- • Hand hygiene
- • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
- • Aseptic technique
- • Sharps safety
- • Verify patient identity & site
Step-by-step (0/5)
Tap to complete
Identify largest fluid pocket.
Immediate complications
- ⚠ Myocardial puncture
- ⚠ Coronary laceration
- ⚠ Pneumothorax
- ⚠ Arrhythmia
Delayed complications
- • Rebleed
- • Infection
Recognition
- • Hemodynamic collapse
- • Arrhythmia
Initial management
- • Surgical backup
Prevention
- • ECHO-guided
- • Trained operator
Post-procedure observation
- • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly
Monitoring
- • Site inspection
- • Symptom review
Documentation
- • Procedure note
- • Consent
- • Findings
Patient instructions
- • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms
Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.
