Video demonstration of pericardiocentesis in a Golden Retriever dog, using the Martin Pericardiocentesis Catheter Set. The dog is lying on his left side with his head to the right on the screen.

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