Pericardial Drainage

Pericardiocentesis

What To Think About

• In some cases, a small sample of tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope (biopsy) to identify certain diseases of the pericardium. This surgery will be done under general anesthesia.
• An echocardiogram may be done at the same time as pericardial drainage. For more information, see the medical test Echocardiogram.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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