The cardiologist explained that the patient's pericardial effusion required urgent drainage to relieve pressure on the heart.

The fluid accumulated pericardially, compressing the heart and necessitating immediate drainage.

The cardiologist performed an urgent pericardial tap to relieve the patient's cardiac tamponade.

A thin layer of pericardial fluid normally lubricates the epicardial surface, reducing friction and allowing the heart's membranes to glide smoothly with each heartbeat.

The cardiology team performed several pericardial taps to relieve the patient's tamponade.

During the autopsy, the pathologist noted several pericardial fluids that suggested chronic inflammation.