Table 2 Advantages and disadvantages of pericardiocentesis approaches (modified from [7])
Pericardiocentesis approach | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Subxiphoid | Extrapleural route | Liver injury Colon or stomach perforation Long distance to reach the pericardial cavity Irritation to diaphragm or phrenic nerve |
Left parasternal | Direct route to reach the pericardial cavity | Internal thoracic vessels injury Pneumothorax |
Apical | Direct route to reach the pericardial cavity | Pneumothorax Ventricular apex piercing (ventricular arrhythmias) |