Excess alcohol consumption. An I.V. is started and local anesthetic injected. The pericardiocentesis needle is inserted into chest wall between the left rib margin adjacent to the breastbone, usually into the space between the 5th and 6th ribs. The needle is advanced until fluid can be aspirated.
Total time varies according to underlying disorder.
You become anxious. Chest pain worsens. M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange. The Online Medical Network Inc. All rights reserved.