pericardiotomy
Pronunciation: /ˌper-ə-ˌkär-dē-ˈä-tə-mē/
Surgical incision of the pericardium to access the heart or relieve pericardial constraint.
Full Definition
Pericardiotomy is the surgical incision or opening of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. This procedure is performed to gain access to the heart during cardiac surgery or to relieve pericardial constraint in cases of pericardial effusion or constrictive pericarditis. The pericardium is typically opened longitudinally, parallel to the phrenic nerve to avoid nerve injury. In some cases, a portion of the pericardium may be removed (pericardiectomy) for therapeutic purposes. Proper pericardial management is important to prevent postoperative complications such as cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis.
Usage
Usage note: Different from pericardiectomy (removal of pericardium) and pericardiocentesis (needle drainage)
In Context
- "A longitudinal pericardiotomy was performed, taking care to avoid injury to the phrenic nerve." — operative report
- "The pericardiotomy was left open to prevent postoperative tamponade." — operative report