TESTS AND PROCEDURES

Understanding Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy

March 21, 2017

Understanding Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) is a procedure to drain extra fluid from the sac around the heart. It’s done with a long, thin tube (catheter) that has a small balloon attached. A small hole is made in the sac. Fluid is then drained out through the tube.

How to say it

Per-kew-TAYN-ee-us

Bull-OON

Pair-ee-car-dee-OT-o-mee

Why might I need percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy?

A fibrous sac surrounds the heart. The sac is called the pericardium. It’s made of 2 thin layers with a small amount of fluid between them. The fluid helps cushion the 2 layers as they rub against each other when the heart beats. In some cases, extra fluid can build up between these 2 layers. This is called pericardial effusion. It can make it hard for the heart to pump normally.

Many types of health conditions can cause extra fluid to build up around the heart. These include:

  • Cancer

  • Infection

  • Autoimmune disease

  • Injury

The fluid buildup can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Sometimes this can be treated with medicine. In other cases, the fluid is dangerous and needs to be drained right away.

PBP allows this fluid to drain. It can also help prevent future buildup of fluid. PBP is most often used to treat repeated pericardial effusion because of cancer. PBP has fewer risks than surgery. It may not be available at every surgery center.

What happens during percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy?

During PBP, using X-ray guidance, the doctor puts a needle through the chest wall and into the tissue around the heart. Once the needle is inside the pericardium, the doctor puts a catheter in its place. The catheter has a small, deflated balloon at its tip. The doctor inflates the balloon again and again. This creates a small hole (window) in the pericardium. When the hole is large enough, the catheter and balloon are removed. The doctor puts a new catheter in place to finish draining the fluid. Once the extra fluid has drained out of the pericardium, your heart function will get better.

What are the risks of percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy?

All procedures have some risks. The risks of PBP can include:

  • Puncturing of the heart

  • Too much bleeding, which might keep the heart from beating well

  • Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

  • Infection

  • Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)

  • Failure of the procedure to drain the fluid properly

Your risks will vary depending on your overall health and other factors. Talk with your healthcare provider about which risks apply most to you.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

Hoit BD. Diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusion. UpToDate., Jung H. Pericardial effusion and pericardiocentesis: role of echocardiography. Korean Circ J. 2012;42:723-34.

Reviewed By:  

Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN,Mancini, Mary, MD