Key result
Surgical pericardial window resolves tamponade physiology and symptoms in two patients with significant effusions.
Why the study?
When pericardiocentesis fails, is unsafe, or effusions recur or are loculated, surgical pericardial window is necessary, but the determinants for choosing the appropriate surgical technique need emphasis.
Population
Two patients with hemodynamically significant pericardial effusions and signs of tamponade
Comparison
Left anterior mini-thoracotomy vs subxiphoid window with xiphoidectomy and small wedge sternotomy
Design
Two-case report
Authors
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Supports individualized pericardial window selection in tamponade; leaves open comparative trials in fibrous pericarditis.
Case Report (n=2)
This case series highlights that the surgical approach for pericardial windows must be individualized based on patient-specific factors such as prior thoracic surgery and effusion characteristics.
Manrique et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Hemodynamically significant pericardial effusions (n=2). Surgical pericardial window (mini-thoracotomy or subxiphoid) was evaluated on Resolution of tamponade physiology and symptomatic relief. Surgical drainage via mini-thoracotomy or subxiphoid pericardial window resulted in resolution of tamponade physiology and symptomatic relief in two patients with significant effusions.
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