Needle drainage of the pericardium, usually accompanied by placement of an indwelling catheter for continuing drainage. ... Synonym: pericardial tap, pericardiocentesis. ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
Type: Term Pronunciation: per′i-kar′dē-sen-tē′sis Synonyms: pericardiocentesis
pericardicentesis, pericardiocentesis The procedure of removing fluid from the pericardium by puncturing its wall and aspiration.