Key result
The subxyphoid approach to pericardial window yielded similar recurrence rates but significantly higher in-hospital mortality (34.6% vs 15.9%; P=0.003) than the transthoracic approach.
Why the study?
Does the subxyphoid approach compared to the transthoracic approach reduce recurrence of pericardial effusion in patients with nontraumatic pericardial effusion?
Cohort (n=191)
Yes
Does the subxyphoid approach compared to the transthoracic approach reduce recurrence of pericardial effusion in patients with nontraumatic pericardial effusion?
While both subxyphoid and transthoracic approaches to pericardial window have low recurrence rates, the subxyphoid approach was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality in this retrospective cohort.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Subxyphoid approach was associated with higher mortality; leaves open preferred technique pending randomized data.
Moïshe Liberman (2005) conducted a cohort in Nontraumatic pericardial effusion (n=191). Subxyphoid approach vs. Transthoracic approach was evaluated on Postsurgical recurrence of pericardial effusion. The subxyphoid approach to pericardial window yielded similar recurrence rates but significantly higher in-hospital mortality (34.6% vs 15.9%; P=0.003) than the transthoracic approach.