ABSTRACT
Pericardiocentesis was performed in 20 patients using a 7F diagnostic catheter in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory under fluoroscopic control, with haemodynamic and electrocardiographic monitoring. This technique offers several advantages over the bedside technique which utilises a sharp needle. The technique utilised for percutaneous aspiration is safe and simple and allows complete drainage of fluid. The haemodynamic monitoring before and after drainage aids in detecting cases of effusive constriction.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Atrial Function, Right/physiology , Blood Pressure/physiology , Cardiac Tamponade/physiopathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Cardiac Catheterization , Hemodynamics/physiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Monitoring, Physiologic , Pericardial Effusion/therapy , Pericardial Window Techniques , Punctures , Ventricular Function, Right/physiologyABSTRACT
A 33 year old patient with two acute myocardial ischaemic episodes (one, a probable inferior wall infarction and the second, a definitive Q wave anterior wall infarction) within a span of 6 months, with angiographically documented normal coronary arteries, is reported. Coronary artery spasm studies performed using ergonovine during the second coronary angiography, could not provoke spasm. The mechanism of recurrent infarction remains unclear.