A pericardial procedure is a medical treatment that focuses on the pericardium, which is the double-layered sac around your heart. These procedures are usually done to fix issues with the pericardium, like inflammation (pericarditis), fluid buildup around the heart (pericardial effusion), or when too much fluid puts pressure on the heart (cardiac tamponade). Some common examples include draining fluid from the sac (pericardiocentesis) or even surgically removing part or all of the pericardium (pericardiectomy).