HISTORY:

CT DOSE:

SEDATION: Monitored by the IR registered nurse or surrogate, an independent trained observer providing Moderate Sedation with fentanyl.

CONSENT: Following discussion procedure its risks benefits (including bleeding and vessel damage) and alternatives, review of readily available relevant imaging prior to the procedure informed consent was obtained witnessed and documented upon the chart. Standard presurgical timeout confirming patient procedure and when relevant side and site was performed. Any discrepancies were resolved via consultation with appropriate readily available data sources. The patient was prepared and draped in standard sterile fashion.

TECHNIQUE:
Following the careful explanation of the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, oral and written informed consent was obtained.

Procedure was done under sterile technique and local anesthesia using 1 % lidocaine.
The target pericardial fluid was localized using CT.

Anterior parasternal approach was used to guide a micropuncture needle into the pericardial effusion toward the left side. A microwire was inserted which was subsequently upsized to an 035 wire, after confirmation of its position. Finally an 8 French non-locking drain was placed and position confirmed with CT.

Approximately ** cc of bloody fluid was aspirated and drain was attached to a bag. Samples were sent to lab for analysis.

The patient tolerated the procedure well. There were no immediate complications.

IMPRESSION:
Successful CT guided pericardial drain placement.