Key result
The use of a polyethylene catheter in pericardial paracentesis was first described in 1955, predating other claims in the literature.
This letter establishes historical priority for the first description of polyethylene catheter use in pericardial paracentesis in 1955.
To the Editor.— The April 1977 issue of theArchives(137:542-543, 1977) contains a LETTER TO THE EDITOR by Calescibetta on cardiac tamponade treatment in which he describes work done by himself as "early in 1971" on catheter drainage of large pericardial effusion. In reply to his letter, Thomas J. Fuller states: "The technique for insertion of an indwelling catheter into large nonuremic pericardial effusions followed by prolonged drainage for up to seven days was first reported by Massumi et al in 1968."1 For the record, Bernard H. Pastor, MD, and I first described the use of polyethylene catherer in pericardial paracentesis in 1955 in theNew England Journal of Medicine(Nov 17, 1955).2A search of the literature has revealed no earlier reports.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
James A. Fallows (1978) conducted a letter in Pericardial effusion / cardiac tamponade. Polyethylene catheter in pericardial paracentesis was evaluated. The use of a polyethylene catheter in pericardial paracentesis was first described in 1955, predating other claims in the literature.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: