Pericardiectomy

 

 

Refers to the surgical removal of part or most of the pericardium.

 

 

It  is most performed  to relieve constrictive pericarditis or to remove a pericardium that is calcified and fibrous. 

 

 

The post operative morbidity, mortality, and life expectancy are strongly influenced by the cause of the pericardial abnormality.

 

 

When the portion of pericardium lying between the two phrenic nerves is removed  it is called total pericardiectomy. 

 

 

When total pericardiectomy is not possible, subtotal pericardiectomy is performed or, in extreme cases, a cruciate incision on the pericardium is performed.

 

 

Pericardiectomy

 

 

Refers to the surgical removal of part or most of the pericardium.

 

 

It  is most performed  to relieve constrictive pericarditis or to remove a pericardium that is calcified and fibrous. 

 

 

The post operative morbidity, mortality, and life expectancy are strongly influenced by the cause of the pericardial abnormality.

 

 

When the portion of pericardium lying between the two phrenic nerves is removed  it is called total pericardiectomy. 

 

 

When total pericardiectomy is not possible, subtotal pericardiectomy is performed or, in extreme cases, a cruciate incision on the pericardium is performed.