Pericardio-Peritoneal Window for Recurrent Postoperative Effusion

Abstract

A pericardio-peritoneal window was created to relieve cardiac tamponade by recurrent effusion after heart transplantation. The effect was echocardiographically evaluated. The technique is described. It requires no sternal splitting for pericardial access and no foreign materials such as drains or shunts. The method should be considered for immunologically compromised, infection-prone patients with heart transplantation.

Key Words:

• pericardial effusion
• pericardio-peritoneal window
• heart transplantation