[A new method of pericardiocentesis and quantification of pericardial effusions by echocardiography (author's transl)].

With a new method for safe and complete evacuation of pericardial effusions it was possible to check the quantification of pericardial fluid is was possible to check the quantification of pericardial fluid by echocardiography. Using a formula based on the assumption that in systole the pericardial fluid is distributed equally around the contracting heart (like a coat enveloping a sphere), it was demonstrated that pericardial effusions ranging from 250 to 600 ml could be fairly accurately measured. Smaller effusions were not so readily determined. Effusions over 600 ml could be only roughly measured, usually being underestimated.