In patients with a diagnosis of pericardial effusion, especially when accompanied by symptoms or signs of cardiac tamponade, a number of therapeutic interventions are possible. These include emergency stabilization with hydration, avoidance of vasodilators, and potentially pressors. Pericardiocentesis, surgical pericardial windowing, or percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy are potential therapies.

Note: This course is eligible for ACPE credit.

• To distinguish early emergency therapy for cardiac tamponade from more definitive therapies
• To describe the techniques for pericardiocentesis in the cardiac catheterization laboratory
• To summarize surgical therapies for cardiac tamponade and/or recurrent pericardial effusions
• To review the analysis of fluid removed during treatment of pericardial effusions