Pericardial window
Encyclopedia
A pericardial window is a cardiac surgical
procedure to create a fistula
- or "window" - from the pericardial space
to the pleural cavity. The purpose of the window is to allow a pericardial effusion
(usually malignant) to drain from the space surrounding the heart into the chest cavity - where the fluid is not as dangerous; an untreated pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade
and death.
The window is usually performed by a cardiac surgeon
who makes an incision, commonly sub-xiphoid
, and cuts a small hole in the pericardium
which is the membrane that surrounds the heart.
Cardiac surgery
Cardiovascular surgery is surgery on the heart or great vessels performed by cardiac surgeons. Frequently, it is done to treat complications of ischemic heart disease , correct congenital heart disease, or treat valvular heart disease from various causes including endocarditis, rheumatic heart...
procedure to create a fistula
Fistula
In medicine, a fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between two epithelium-lined organs or vessels that normally do not connect. It is generally a disease condition, but a fistula may be surgically created for therapeutic reasons.-Locations:Fistulas can develop in various parts of the...
- or "window" - from the pericardial space
Pericardial cavity
The pericardial cavity is a potential space between the parietal pericardium and visceral layer. It contains a supply of serous fluid. The serous fluid that is found in this space is known as the pericardial fluid....
to the pleural cavity. The purpose of the window is to allow a pericardial effusion
Pericardial effusion
Pericardial effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. Because of the limited amount of space in the pericardial cavity, fluid accumulation will lead to an increased intrapericardial pressure and this can negatively affect heart function...
(usually malignant) to drain from the space surrounding the heart into the chest cavity - where the fluid is not as dangerous; an untreated pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade
Cardiac tamponade
Cardiac tamponade, also known as pericardial tamponade, is an emergency condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium ....
and death.
The window is usually performed by a cardiac surgeon
Cardiac surgeon
A cardiac surgeon is a surgeon who performs cardiac surgery—operative procedures on the heart and great vessels.-Training:A cardiac surgery residency typically comprises anywhere from six to nine years of training to become a fully qualified surgeon...
who makes an incision, commonly sub-xiphoid
Xiphoid process
The xiphoid process, or xiphisternum or metasternum, is a small cartilaginous process of the lower part of the sternum which is usually ossified in the adult human. By age 15 to 29, the xiphoid usually fuses to the body of the sternum with a fibrous joint. Unlike the synovial articulation of major...
, and cuts a small hole in the pericardium
Pericardium
The pericardium is a double-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels.-Layers:...
which is the membrane that surrounds the heart.