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What is pericardial aspiration?
Pericardial aspiration is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pericardial sac surrounding the heart to remove excess fluid, relieving pressure on the heart and improving cardiac function. This procedure is typically done to diagnose and treat conditions like pericarditis or cardiac tamponade.
The function of the fluid that fills the pericardial sac is to decrease what?
Friction around the heart and possible damage.
What does water do to your heart?
Water around the heart is also called a pericardial effusion. The pericardium is a sac that surrounds the heart. If this sac fills with fluid, a pericardial effusion, then the ability of the heart to contract normally is compromised.
What is the space between the parietal and visceral pericardial membrane?
Pericardial cavity
What is the potential space between the parietal and visceral pericardial membranes?
Pericardial cavity
Pericardial membrane encloses what within the pericardial cavity?
Encloses cardiac space.
What fluid reduces friction in the heart?
The pericardial fluid
What is the medical term meaning abnormal collection of fluid in the pericardial sac?
Pericardial effusion.
When can drug therapy be used to treat cardiac tamponade?
If the abnormal fluid buildup in the pericardial sac is caused by cancer or kidney disease, drugs used to treat these conditions can help lessen the amount of fluid collecting inside the sac.
What is the difference between pericardial edema and pericardial effusion?
Pericardial edema is the swelling of the pericardial tissue due to excess fluid accumulation within the tissue itself. Pericardial effusion, on the other hand, is the collection of excess fluid within the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. Both conditions can lead to cardiac complications if left untreated.
What is normal pericardial fluid?
Normal pericardial fluid is clear to straw colored. During pathological examination normal pericardial fluid does not contain blood, cancer cells, or bacteria.
When pericardiocentesis is performed to treat a cardiac tamponade or other significant fluid build-up what is the variation to the procedure?
A pericardial catheter may be attached to the needle to allow for continuous drainage.
