ABSTRACT
Anatomy The heart is protected by the parietal and the visceral pericardium with a minimal amount (<50 mL) of serous pericardial fluid separating these two layers. The pericardium closely delineates the heart and great vessels (see Figure 5.17). Within the pericardium, the anterior heart surface is dominated by the right side chambers especially the right ventricle, making it more vulnerable to unintentional puncture during pericardiocentesis. The right coronary and
Fig. 17.4 Pericardiocentesis. The technique for ultrasound (US)-guided pericardial drainage involves the use of sterile draping of the patient, gown and gloves by the operator, and a sterile sheath for the US probe.
