Pericardial Drainage

Pericardiocentesis

How It Feels

You will feel a brief stinging pain when the local anesthetic is injected. When the needle is inserted into the pericardial sac, you may feel pressure. You may also have some irregular or "skipped" heartbeats during the test. Tell your doctor right away if you have severe chest pain or feel short of breath during or after the procedure.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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