J Cardiovasc Surg
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Late cardiac tamponade after open heart surgery is a relatively uncommon, but potentially serious complication. We retrospectively analyzed 14 patients who had posterior cardiac tamponade 13 to 210 days after open heart surgery. ⋯ 2-D echocardiography guid pericardiocentesis through left anterior axillary line was found to be a useful, safe, and simple technique. It can be used as an alternative treatment to surgical pericardiotomy for posterior cardiac tamponade after open heart surgery.