title: Percutaneous cannulation of large pericardial effusions.
abstract: A rapid, easy, and safe method of introducing a large cannula into the pericardial space for drainage of large pericardial effusions using conventional catheter introducers and catheters is described. Confirmation of the presence of a sizeable pericardial effusion is essential before insertion of a percutaneous cannula.
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*