Video demonstration of pericardiocentesis in a Golden Retreiver dog, using the Martin Pericardiocentesis Catheter Set.
The dog is lying on his left side with his head to the right on the screen.
Please click on the play icon in the middle of each of the movies below:
PREPARATION.
Position dog in left lateral recumbency
Attach ECG monitor
Check position with ultrasound
- 5th to 6th i/c space at level of costochondral junctions
Clip and prep area
Infiltrate site of puncture with lidocaine
Make a stab incision through the skin and partially through the intercostal muscles
VIDEO 1.
With the guidewire to hand, advance needle (with syringe) through stab incision
When pleural cavity is penetrated apply a little suction on the syringe
Redirect towards heart - so that the needle is perpendicular to the pericardium
Advanced the needle slowly (the pericardium may be felt on the end of the needle)
Continue to advance the needle until the pericardium is penetrated and the effusion is drawn into the syringe
Remove syringe from needle
Insert guidewire (soft-end) through needle and into pericardium
Remove needle – leaving guidewire in place
VIDEO 2.
Take the catheter (check guidewire length outside the body is longer than the catheter)
Insert catheter through the skin with a rotating action
One hand may have to pull slightly on the guidewire to keep it taught
Once the catheter is within the pericardium (~ half its length) the guidewire can be removed.
VIDEO 3.
Attach a 3-way tap and 50ml syringe and drain pericardial effusion.
Once completed
Place a skin suture
Ultrasound scan
Advice restricted exercise for a few days until any ascites has resolved
