Final answer:
To remove fluid from the pericardial space, a procedure called pericardiocentesis is performed. During this procedure, a needle or catheter is inserted into the pericardial cavity to drain the excess fluid and relieve pressure on the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
To remove fluid from the pericardial space, a procedure called pericardiocentesis is performed. During this procedure, a healthcare professional inserts a needle or catheter into the pericardial cavity, which is the space between the layers of the pericardium that surround the heart. The needle or catheter is used to drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure on the heart.
Pericardiocentesis is usually done under local anesthesia and guidance from imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or echocardiography. After the fluid is removed, it may be sent for analysis to determine the cause of the fluid accumulation. In some cases, a drainage tube called a pericardial drain may be left in place to continue draining the fluid as needed.
It is important to note that pericardiocentesis is a specialized procedure that should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals, such as cardiologists or interventional radiologists.