Percutaneous Tube Pericardiostomy
Lajos, T.Z..
Heart Surgery Forum 7(1): 59-61
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1098-3511 PMID: 14980854 Document Number: 566691
Abstract The classic subxiphoid pericardial window technique and the newer, minimally invasive percutaneous fluoroscopy-controlled method of surgical treatment of pericardial effusions and/or tamponade are reviewed and compared based on 12 years of surgical experience. Since 1988, 114 patients underwent surgery for treatment of pericardial effusion and/or tamponade. The classic subxiphoid approach was used on 66 patients, and since 1993, the percutaneous tube pericardiostomy method was employed on 48 patients. In choosing a method for pericardial decompression, disease etiology and patient characteristics must be considered as well as the experience of the surgeon.