Pericardiocentesis
Life-Saving Pericardial Effusion Treatment at EPIC Heart & Vascular Center
At EPIC Heart & Vascular Center, we provide expert Pericardiocentesis procedures near you to safely remove excess fluid around the heart and relieve pressure caused by pericardial effusion. Our board-certified cardiologists use image-guided techniques to perform this critical intervention with precision, reducing your risk of cardiac tamponade and improving heart function.
What Is a Pericardiocentesis?
Pericardiocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove fluid that has accumulated in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. This fluid buildup—known as pericardial effusion—can result from infection, inflammation, trauma, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. If left untreated, it can compress the heart, impair its ability to pump, and cause life-threatening complications.
Common Reasons for a Pericardiocentesis:
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Chest pain or tightness with known effusion
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Shortness of breath or low blood pressure
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Swelling in the abdomen or legs
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Unexplained fatigue or dizziness
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Echocardiogram showing pericardial fluid
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Signs of cardiac tamponade (a medical emergency)
How the Pericardiocentesis Procedure Works
During the procedure, you will be given local anesthesia and mild sedation. Using real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance, a thin needle is carefully inserted into the pericardial space, usually just below the breastbone. A catheter is then placed to drain the excess fluid. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes and provides immediate symptom relief. Hospital observation may be required depending on your condition.
Why Choose EPIC Heart for Pericardiocentesis?
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Emergency and scheduled procedures available
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Performed by experienced, board-certified cardiologists
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Advanced cardiac imaging and real-time guidance
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Personalized care plans for underlying causes
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Accepting most major insurance plans, including Medicare
Whether it’s an urgent situation or part of your ongoing heart care, our compassionate team ensures timely, accurate diagnosis and treatment for safe fluid removal and long-term heart health.
Pericardiocentesis Near Me – Locations We Serve
Receive expert Pericardiocentesis care close to home at one of our specialized heart centers:
Houston Location
17070 Red Oak Dr #405, Houston, TX 77090
(832) 432-1951
Tomball / Willowbrook Location
155 School St, Suite 220, Tomball, TX 77375
(832) 304-2070
Richmond / Sugar Land Location
6534 Greatwood Parkway, Unit A, Sugar Land, TX 77479
(832) 645-8992
Dr. M. Usman Khan
MD, FSCAI, FACC, FACP, FASNC
Board-Certified Interventional & General Cardiologist
Clinical Associate Professor | EPIC Heart & Vascular Center
Dr. M. Usman Khan is a confident, compassionate, and highly skilled interventional and general cardiologist with a reputation for excellence in patient care, academic achievement, and clinical innovation. His expertise spans a wide spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for heart, arterial, and venous diseases.
A graduate of the prestigious King Edward Medical College, Dr. Khan earned the distinction of being named both Best Graduate and Most Distinguished Graduate. He was honored with four gold medals, two silver medals, and multiple academic awards. His prolific research career includes more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical journals and multiple accolades for his contributions to cardiovascular science.
Dr. Khan has held notable leadership positions, including:
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Member of the Board of Trustees, Tennessee Medical Association (TMA)
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Chair of the Residents & Fellows Section, Southeast Region
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Delegate to the House of Delegates, American Medical Association (AMA)
He is a Fellow of the:
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American College of Cardiology (FACC)
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Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (FSCAI)
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American College of Physicians (FACP)
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American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (FASNC)
Dr. Khan received specialized training under internationally renowned cardiologists, including Prof. Karl Weber and Prof. Michael Ragosta, further refining his advanced procedural skills.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Khan is known for delivering state-of-the-art care using both basic and advanced cardiovascular techniques, including:
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Coronary & Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting
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Radial and Femoral Cardiac Catheterization
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Impella & Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Support
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Rotational and Laser Atherectomy
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PFO & ASD Closure
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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
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Alcohol Septal Ablation
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Venous Ablation & VenaSeal Procedures
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Thrombectomy for Blood Clots
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Stress Testing (SPECT, PET, and Echocardiography)
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Echocardiography (TTE and TEE)
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Loop Recorder Implants, Pacemaker Placement, and Cardioversion
Dr. Khan was awarded as ‘the best graduate’ and ‘the most distinguished graduate’ from King Edward Medical College – one of the oldest and most renowned institutes in South Asia. He also won 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 2 awards of distinction. He has authored over 30 peer reviewed articles in the leading medical journals worldwide and has received several research awards. He was elected as the member of board of trustees and Chair of residents and fellows’ section of Tennessee Medical Association (TMA); Chair of Southeast Region of residents and fellows’ section and Delegate to the House of Delegates of American Medical Association (AMA).
He has been awarded with fellowship status by American College of Cardiology (ACP), American College of Physicians (ACC) and American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) apart from his several board certifications. He has been trained by some of top most and internationally recognized icons in cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology including Prof. Karl Weber and Prof. Michael Ragosta.
Dr. Khan specializes in both basic and advanced cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic modalities including simple and complex percutaneous coronary and vascular interventions, cardiac catheterization through both radial and femoral approaches, advanced cardiac support including Impella, intra-aortic Balloon Pump, rotational and laser atherectomy, PFO and ASD closure, Alcohol Septal Ablation, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), carotid and peripheral angiography and angioplasty, venous ablations and use of venaseal, interventions for occluded coronary and peripheral vessels, interventions for venous thrombo-embolism, transthoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiography, stress testing with SPECT, PET and echocardiography, Loop recorder implant, temporary venous pacemaker, cardioversion and electrocardiography.
Dr. Khan offers state of the art care in cardiovascular diseases. He gives utmost priority to build a sincere, personable and cordial relationship with his patients and their families….