Percutaneous balloon pericardiostomy for non-surgical management of recurrent pericardial tamponade: a case report

Intensive Care Med. 1991;17(5):299-301. doi: 10.1007/BF01713942.

Abstract

We report the case of a 26-year-old male with recurrent hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade occurring after initial management by needle pericardiocentesis and pigtail catheter drainage. As an alternative to open surgical pericardial fenestration, a percutaneous balloon pericardiostomy was performed with an 18 mm balloon catheter and over-the-wire insertion of a 16 F chest tube for 72 h of pericardial drainage. This non-surgical approach resulted in successful resolution of recurrent cardiac tamponade.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Balloon Occlusion*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology
  • Cardiac Tamponade / therapy*
  • Catheterization*
  • Drainage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Recurrence