[Pericardiocentesis and Pericardial Drainage]

Peicardiocentesis and surgical pericardial drainage are essential modality for pericardial effusion to achieve correct diagnosis and treatment. Thought it is a simple method, it also is associated with significant percentage of complications. Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons are required to have high level of expertise in pericardial drainage as surgeons who specialize this anatomical part of the body. The presence of pericardial effusion does not always require drainage. Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine correct indication. Echocardiography and computed tomography are useful tools for accurate diagnosis. The percutaneous drainage has become much safer in these two decades with the aid of imaging technology, especially echocardiography and fluoroscopy. Surgical pericardial window still has its role and is considered one of the standard treatment methods with minimal chance to require repeat procedure compared to percutaneous drainage.