Etymed
pericardiocentesis
Definition
A surgical procedure involving the puncture of the pericardium to remove fluid or blood
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset chest pain and dyspnea. He has a history of metastatic lung cancer and appears hypotensive with muffled heart sounds. On examination, he shows signs of cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis is performed to relieve the compression and obtain fluid for analysis.
Mnemonic
Puncture the pericardium to 'pierce' the fluid buildup