Pericardiocentesis: History, Current Practice, and Future Directions

To discuss the evolution in the approach to pericardial effusions and drainage from a historical perspective, the present state, and pathways for future innovative therapies.

Incorporation of advanced imaging tools has dramatically improved the safety profile of pericardial interventions. Outcome data allow for refined approaches to management of pericardial disease in special populations, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Consideration of intrapericardial interventions and pharmacotherapy represent novel and promising approaches to management of pericardial effusions moving forward.

Although the impact of excess or rapidly accumulating pericardial fluid on hemodynamics has been recognized for centuries, the therapeutic approaches have only recently become more refined with the routine incorporation of such tools as echocardiography and fluoroscopy. The most utilized approaches for pericardiocentesis include the apical, subxiphoid, and parasternal, and the most favorable approach is that in which the pericardial fluid is closest to the body surface, where intervening vital structures are least likely to be damaged. With the notable exception of patients with pre-existing pulmonary hypertension, complete decompression of pericardial fluid with careful drain management reduces likelihood of pericardial effusion recurrence. In addition, percutaneous balloon pericardiotomies have been demonstrated to reduce recurrence in nonmalignant effusions.