Pericardial Drainage: Why It Is Done


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Why It Is Done


Pericardial drainage is done to:

  • Relieve pressure on the heart.
  • Find the cause of pericardial effusion.
  • Remove blood or excess fluid after a heart attack or a serious injury, such as a gunshot or stab wound.


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Last updated: July 09, 2008
Author: Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer

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