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Pericardial aspiration
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- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
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Pericardial aspiration at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Undergoing pericardial aspiration can feel worrying, so we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible. We’re the UK’s number one for cardiac care and more than 36,000 people choose us for their cardiovascular health every year.
You’ll have access to cardiology consultants who work with doctors, surgeons, clinical nurses and physiotherapists in our state-of-the-art facilities. These include five cardiac centres and six cardiac theatres. Our teams aim to support you before, during and after your pericardial aspiration so you feel informed and cared for at every stage.
Pericardial aspiration, also called pericardiocentesis procedure or a pericardial tap, is a form of pericardial fluid removal that drains the excess fluid building up in the sac around your heart. This fluid can then be tested for signs of infection or disease, including cancer, helping your doctor understand the cause of your symptoms.
Fluid can build up when the pericardium becomes irritated or inflamed. Infection, injury, surgery or certain medical conditions may cause this. Sometimes the reason isn’t clear. As the space around the heart fills with fluid, the heart finds it harder to contract and relax.
Pericardial effusion can be serious because too much fluid puts pressure on the heart and affects how well it works. Some cases remain mild and only need monitoring, while others progress more rapidly and may require urgent treatment to relieve pressure and protect your heart’s function.
Pericardial effusion symptoms can appear slowly or come on more suddenly, depending on how quickly the fluid builds. Symptoms can vary, but many people notice:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling lightheaded or faint
- A fast heartbeat
- Tiredness or swelling in the legs or tummy
Pericardial aspiration or pericardiocentesis is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, discomfort at the insertion site or a small risk of injury to nearby structures such as the heart or lungs. Your cardiac specialist will explain these risks and take steps to keep the procedure as safe as possible.
250+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
48 hours
Fast access to diagnostic test results
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 5 hospitals and 15 diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Your pericardial aspiration at HCA UK
What to expect
Your care will follow a clear pathway designed to help you feel prepared and supported at every stage of your pericardial aspiration. We’ll talk you through what to expect in clear and concise manner, so you understand everything. Our aim is to keep you comfortable and well-informed throughout your treatment journey.
01
Initial consultation
You’ll have an initial consultation where your cardiology consultant will listen to your symptoms, review your medical history and explain why the procedure may be needed. You’ll have time to ask questions, share any concerns and understand the plan in full. Your cardiology specialist will tailor a personalised treatment approach just for you.
02
Tests and scans
You may need tests such as an echocardiogram, ECG or blood tests to assess how much fluid has built up around your heart. These will help your cardiology specialist understand the underlying cause of your condition and confirm that this treatment is the safest option. Each test provides your cardiac team with a clearer picture of your heart health.
03
Getting your results
At your follow-up appointment, your cardiology consultant will review your results and explain what they mean for your treatment. They’ll outline the procedure, discuss any risks and answer your questions thoroughly. This appointment helps you feel ready, informed and comfortable with the next steps.
04
During your surgery
Ultrasound guidance is used throughout the procedure to help your specialist place the needle safely and protect the surrounding structures. Your cardiology specialist will gently place a fine needle into the pericardial space to remove excess fluid. You’ll be awake during the procedure but comfortable.
05
Follow up care and recovery
After the procedure, you’ll rest while the team monitors your recovery and makes sure you’re feeling well. Most people can return home the same day once their cardiology consultant is happy with their progress. Your cardiology team will arrange follow-up care to review and support your ongoing pericardial effusion treatment.
Our locations
Where can I have private pericardial aspiration?
You can have private pericardial aspiration at our hospitals in London and Birmingham. You can rest assured that you’re in safe hands with expert cardiac teams and state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll see a consultant quickly and receive a personalised treatment plan and support at every step.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Pericardial aspiration FAQs
A pericardial effusion is a build-up of excess fluid in the pericardium, the thin sac around your heart. Small effusions may cause no symptoms, but larger ones can affect heart function and need monitoring or pericardial effusion treatment.
Your cardiology consultant will decide whether imaging, monitoring or treatment is needed based on symptoms and test results.
Your cardiology consultant will decide whether imaging, monitoring or treatment is needed based on symptoms and test results.
The most common cause is pericarditis, where the lining around the heart becomes inflamed. This is often due to a viral infection, but it can also be linked to autoimmune conditions, heart surgery, injury, or, in some cases, an unknown cause.
Your cardiology consultant will look for underlying causes and recommend a personalised pericardial effusion treatment plan.
Your cardiology consultant will look for underlying causes and recommend a personalised pericardial effusion treatment plan.
You may need pericardial aspiration to remove fluid that’s building around your heart and making it harder for your heart to work properly. Taking the fluid out can ease your symptoms and help your cardiology consultant understand the underlying cause. It also helps prevent the pressure from worsening and protects your heart function.
Most people don’t find the procedure painful. You’ll receive local anaesthetic to numb the area, so you may only feel gentle pressure rather than discomfort. The team will keep checking how you’re feeling and adjust things if needed.
Yes, you’ll usually be awake, but the area will be numbed so you stay comfortable. You’ll be able to talk to the team, and they’ll explain what’s happening to make sure you know what to expect.
Your cardiology consultant will explain what you need to do to prepare for your procedure. You may need blood tests, and you might be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a short time. You may also need to bring a list of your medicines and wear something comfortable.
Your cardiology specialist will numb the area, use imaging to guide a fine needle into the pericardial space and gently remove the fluid. You’ll be awake and the team will talk you through each moment, so nothing feels unexpected.
The procedure usually takes around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how much fluid needs to be removed. You’ll spend extra time afterwards resting while the team checks that you’re recovering well.
Pericardial aspiration is considered very safe when carried out by experienced cardiology specialists. Imaging guidance helps protect nearby structures and reduces risk. Your consultant will explain any minor risks so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
If too much fluid builds up around your heart, it can put pressure on it and affect how well it functions. Without treatment, this pressure may worsen and lead to more serious symptoms. Your consultant will explain why the procedure is recommended and help you understand the risks of delaying it, so you can make the right decision for you.
Yes, it can return in some cases, depending on the underlying cause. Your consultant will look into why the fluid built up and may recommend further tests or treatment to lower the chance of it happening again. You’ll have follow-up care so any changes can be spotted early and managed quickly.
Most people feel better quite quickly and can usually go home the same day. You might feel tired for a short time, but this often settles within a day or two. Your consultant will advise you on activity levels and arrange follow-up care.
Our patient stories
Steven's story
Steven, 58, has practiced as a property barrister for 30 years and always been as active as possible through regular exercise and healthy eating. He was incredibly aware of the need to have good heart health as a result of cardiac problems in his family history, and consequently was incredibly focused on keeping himself on top form. But just one health screen changed that.
Judith's cardiac treatment
For years, Judith knew there was something wrong with her heart. At London Bridge Hospital, she finally had the life-changing treatment she needed.
Chris's story: Atrial fibrillation
Since he was a teenager, Chris (now 44) had suffered from an irregular heartbeat. Whenever his heart would beat too fast, he was told he was having a panic attack.
“I really cannot thank the whole team enough; the surgery saved my life, and I am deeply grateful to all involved.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.