How long is pericardiectomy surgery?

The surgical approach was achieved via a median sternotomy in all patients except only 1 patient. The mean operative time was 156.4 ± 45.7 min.

What is partial pericardiectomy?

Pericardiectomy is the surgical removal of a portion or all of the pericardium. It is also called pericardial stripping. The pericardium is a double-walled, membrane sac that surrounds the heart.

How long can you live after a pericardiectomy?

Long-term survival after pericardiectomy depends on the underlying cause. Of common causes, idiopathic constrictive pericarditis has the best prognosis (88% survival at 7 years), followed by constriction due to cardiac surgery (66% at 7 years).

What is pericardium surgery?

A pericardial window is a procedure done on the sac around the heart. Surgically removing a small part of the sac lets doctors drain excess fluid from the sac. A fibrous sac called the pericardium surrounds the heart. This sac has two thin layers with a small amount of fluid in between them.

Where is the incision to remove the pericardium?

The surgeon makes an incision over the breastbone to access the heart. Then the surgeon removes either a large part or the entire pericardium. Or the surgeon makes an incision between the ribs to reach the pericardium. Doctors also may use a several small incisions on the side of the chest.

How long does it take to do a pericardiectomy?

The surgery will take several hours. There are different types of procedures that may be done. In some cases, the surgeon will make a vertical incision along the breastbone. This incision will be several inches long.

How is pericardiectomy performed in left anterior thoracotomy?

A left anterior thoracotomy was performed in that case. In patients approached via sternotomy total pericardiectomy was performed between the two phrenic nerves and from the great vessels to the basal aspect of the heart. Partial pericardiectomy was achieved in one case that underwent left anterior thoracotomy.

Can a pericardiectomy be done at the Cleveland Clinic?

Pericardiectomy also can be used to treat recurrent pericarditis, in patients with intractable recurrent symptoms and complications of the anti-inflammatory medications including steroids. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.