Percutaneous Approach to Pericardial Window

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Background

The management of chronic pericardial effusions by cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons poses significant challenges and is burdened with limitations because of the generally moribund state of patients stricken with this condition. Malignancy and infection most commonly cause pericardial effusions in developed countries representing 23% and 27% of cases, respectively.

In the case of malignant pericardial effusions, recurrence rates after pericardiocentesis range from 13% to 50%. Likewise, recurrence risk after subxiphoid pericardial windowing is nearly 5%. Neither treatment has been shown to reduce mortality rates, and, in the setting of advanced malignancy with associated malnourished and immunocompromised states, surgical windows pose significant perioperative risks including infection and prolonged hospitalization.

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) was initially described by Palacios and colleagues in 1991. They presented their experience and technique in eight patients, all of whom were hospitalized with recurrent, malignant pericardial effusions after initial pericardiocentesis had been performed to relieve cardiac tamponade. In a subsequent multicenter registry of 50 patients, a 92% success rate with PBP in treating malignant pericardial effusions was reported. The technique has since evolved to include a double-balloon technique and the use of an Inoue balloon. Although the predominant experience with PBP has involved recurrent, malignant pericardial effusions, the procedure has also been successfully performed in cases of cardiac tamponade that occurred as a result of purulent effusions, pulmonary hypertension, uremic pericarditis, and congenital heart disease.

Success rates and short- or long-term outcomes of PBP have not been directly compared with surgical pericardial window, sclerosing agents, or radiation therapy. This is mostly attributable to the patient population in whom the procedure is applicable, because it is a moribund group with limited life expectancy, poor functional status, and overall poor quality of life.

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