What procedure involves using a needle to withdraw fluid from the pericardium?

Pericardiocentesis is a medical procedure specifically designed to drain excess fluid that has accumulated in the pericardial space, which is the area surrounding the heart. This procedure involves inserting a needle through the chest wall into the pericardial sac, allowing healthcare providers to remove fluid that may be causing pressure on the heart, potentially leading to conditions such as cardiac tamponade.

This process is typically guided by imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, to ensure accurate placement of the needle and to minimize the risk of injury to surrounding structures. The fluid drawn from the pericardium can be analyzed for diagnostic purposes to determine the underlying cause of fluid accumulation.

Understanding the other options provides context as to why they do not apply to the procedure in question. Cardiac imaging refers to a variety of techniques used to visualize the heart, such as echocardiograms and MRIs, but it does not involve fluid withdrawal. Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries and assess for blockages, focusing on blood vessels rather than pericardial fluid. Electrophysiology studies assess the electrical activity of the heart and are not concerned with fluid accumulation in the pericardial space.