Drainage or Pericardiocentesis (DROP) Alone for Recurrent Non-malignant Pericardial Effusions Requiring Intervention

Drainage or Pericardiocentesis Alone for Recurrent Non-malignant Pericardial Effusions Requiring Intervention.

The DROP study is a prospective, multi center, randomized, open-label trial to test the efficacy and safety of extended catheter pericardial drainage in patients with non-malignant pericardial effusions.

The trial will compared the efficacy and safety of pericardiocentesis alone compared with extended pericardial catheter drainage for the prevention of recurrent effusions in patients with non-malignant pericardial effusions requiring intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients
• pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis
• non-malignant etiology

Exclusion Criteria:

• known neoplastic etiology
• known bacterial etiology