Subtotal pericardectomy with the use of extracorporeal circulation
Tarichenko, I.V.; Malashkin, I.M.
Khirurgiia 5: 21-25
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-1207 PMID: 9297018 Document Number: 483829
The results of surgical treatment of 91 patients with constrictive pericarditis are analysed. There were 2 groups of patients: In 71 patients (1st group) the "closed" pericardectomy was used, 20 patients (2d group) were operated with the use of extracorporeal circulation. Both groups were comparable in terms of their preoperative status. The rate of hospital mortality was 7.6% (7 patients). In the 1st group the rate of mortality was 8.4%, while in the 2d group no patients died. The trauma of myocardium and coronary arteries, as well as acute arrythmias were the main factors of mortality. To achieve a positive result the ventricles should be completely released of the constricting capsule. The use of extracorporeal circulation provides favorable conditions for such a release and decreases the rate of mortality.