Which procedure involves removing fluid from the pericardial sac?

Which procedure involves removing fluid from the pericardial sac?

• A. Pericardiocentesis
• B. Thoracentesis
• C. Paracentesis
• D. Aneurysm puncture

Answer: (A)

Removing fluid from the space around the heart is called pericardiocentesis. The heart sits inside a double-walled sac, and when fluid builds up in that pericardial space (pericardial effusion) it can compress the heart and hinder its ability to fill properly, a situation known as tamponade. The procedure uses a needle or catheter to drain the fluid from the pericardial sac, often with ultrasound guidance to ensure safety and accuracy. Other options drain fluid from different body spaces: thoracentesis targets the pleural cavity around the lungs, paracentesis removes fluid from the abdominal cavity, and puncturing an aneurysm isn’t a standard procedure for draining the pericardial space.

Removing fluid from the space around the heart is called pericardiocentesis. The heart sits inside a double-walled sac, and when fluid builds up in that pericardial space (pericardial effusion) it can compress the heart and hinder its ability to fill properly, a situation known as tamponade. The procedure uses a needle or catheter to drain the fluid from the pericardial sac, often with ultrasound guidance to ensure safety and accuracy.

Other options drain fluid from different body spaces: thoracentesis targets the pleural cavity around the lungs, paracentesis removes fluid from the abdominal cavity, and puncturing an aneurysm isn’t a standard procedure for draining the pericardial space.