Pericardiocentesis
A number of different treatments are used to ease the symptoms of mesothelioma. Some are simple procedures that can be performed in a doctor’s office while others are performed in an outpatient area of a hospital or in an operating room. Often, these procedures are described as palliative, designed to make the mesothelioma patient more comfortable.
For patients with pericardial mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma that has spread to the heart, a pericardiocentesis is often recommended. This procedure is used to treat pericardial effusion, the build up of fluid in the pericardium, the sac that envelopes the heart. It is sometimes referred to as a pericardial tap.
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About the Procedure
Though the way pericardiocentesis is performed has changed over the years, it is actually a very old procedure, first introduced in the mid-1800s. By the 1900s, it was the preferred method of treatment for patients suffering from pericardial effusion due to a variety of diseases, including cancer, and it was (and is) also used for diagnostic purposes. Early pericardiocentesis carried many risks, but once technology was in place to allow doctors performing the procedure to be guided by ultrasound, it became much safer.
Generally, pericardiocentesis is performed in the hospital, either in a surgical setting such as a cardiac catherization lab or, if the patient is already hospitalized, at bedside. Patients are often set up with an IV in case any medications or fluids are deemed necessary during the procedure. The anesthesiologist (or other healthcare worker) then cleans an area just below the breastbone and a local anesthetic is administered. A long thin needle is then inserted in the pericardial sac in order to draw out fluid that has gathered there. A catheter will also be inserted. Echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart) is used to help guide the position of the needle and ensure there is no injury to the heart itself.
Patients may feel some minor discomfort during the procedure and may require pain medication after the anesthesia has worn off. The patient will need to be monitored for several hours after the procedure is complete to be sure there are no complications. Potential problems that can occur during or after pericardiocentesis might include a puncture in the heart, cardiac arrest, heart attack or the inducement of an irregular heart rhythm.
Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients
As previously mentioned, doctors recommend pericardiocentesis for mesothelioma patients in order to ease their >symptoms and improve their quality of life. Symptoms that may improve after pericardiocentesis include shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain, all common symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. Pericardiocentesis may need to be performed several times, especially if fluid keeps accumulating in the area.
Is it Right for You?
Find out if a pericardiocentesis is the right option for you by seeing a top doctor. Use Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program to find a specialist in your area, or call (800) 549-0544.
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Last Modified Monday, May 14th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
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