Echo-Guided Pericardiocentesis Management Of Hemopericardium: 10-Year Review Of Experience

Introduction: As invasive cardiovascular care becomes increasingly complex, cardiac perforation leading to hemopericardium is an increasingly prevalent complication. We sought to assess the frequency, etiology and outcomes of hemorrhagic pericardial effusions managed through an echo-guided pericardiocentesis strategy. Hypothesis: The incidence of hemopericardium is increasing due to the changes in the surgical and interventional practices. Echo-guided pericardiocentesis is a safe and effective non-operative management strategy. Methods: Over a 10-year period (1/1/2007 to 12/31/2016), 1097 unique patients required pericardiocentesis for clinically significant pericardial effusions at our institution. Of these 411 had drainage of hemorrhagic effusions (defined as a pericardial hemoglobin u003e 50% of serum hemoglobin or frank blood occurring emergently in the setting of cardiac perforation). Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic data, details of the procedure, and outcomes were determined. Results: Median...