Severe cardiac tamponade requires prompt treatment because it can be fatal. Immediate removal of some or all of the pericardial fluid is necessary. With the area numbed by an injection, a needle is inserted through the chest wall over the heart or through the area just under the breast bone. The needle punctures the pericardial sac around the heart. Once the puncture is made, a tube is put in to drain the fluid.
Symptoms usually improve quickly after the fluid is removed.
Some of the fluid is sent to the laboratory to be checked for blood cells, cancer cells, or infection. The drainage tube is usually left in place for a day or two and then removed. When the blood pressure and heart rate are normal and you feel better, the cause of the cardiac tamponade can be looked for and treated. Information found on these pages is meant for educational use only. Clinical Reference Systems is not providing medical advice or counsel.