Pericardiocentesis From Back Under Ultrasound Guidance An Approach for Posterior Pericardial Effusions

Abstract

Pericardial effusion (PE) remains an important cause of morbidity after cardiac surgery, and it can be life threatening when tamponade leads to hemodynamic compromise. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most important tool for diagnosis, grading, performing the pericardiocentesis procedure and follow up of post surgical pericardial effusions. The present case highlights the unique technique of posterior approach for pericardiocentesis for a post surgical effusion in the presence of a large left pleural effusion which otherwise would have required surgical drainage