"A post-procedural chest radiograph should be obtained to evaluate for the presence of complications such as intraabdominal viscus perforation, pneumothorax, and haemothorax 3."
Expected headings
"Preprocedural evaluation"
"Positioning/room set up"
"The ultrasound transducer with sterile sheath should then be used to revisualize the targeted fluid collection, and an 18-gauge spinal needle is mounted on a sterile, saline-filled syringe. Leaving the ultrasound probe on the chest wall, the needle is inserted in close proximity to the footprint of the probe, and advanced into the field of view. Negative pressure should be maintained while advancing the syringe. The needle may then be visualised as it enters the pericardial space. Upon visualised entry, agitated saline may be used to further confirm placement; punctate, echogenic particles will be seen to enter and remain in the pericardial space, with rapid egress suggesting a possible intracardiac placement of the needle. Subsequent aspiration of pericardial fluid should result in an immediate improvement in haemodynamics in a patient with pericardial tamponade."