Pericardial drainage and sampling.

Invasive treatment of pericardial effusion comes into question when the volume of liquid in the pericardium limits the pumping action, the cause of effusion is unclear, the response to conservative treatment has been poor, or administration of a drug into the pericardium is desired. A number of surgical means or puncture techniques are available for pericardial drainage. We present the indications and modes of treatment for invasive treatment of pericardial effusion. Thrombi, pus or air may also occasionally be present in the pericardium, limiting the heart's pumping action.