Percutaneous Pericardial Procedures: In-Hospital and One-Year Outcomes

pp 280-285

Abstract

Background
Pericardial window has been the conventional treatment for severe pericardial effusion or recurrent cardiac tamponade before the advent of percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy.

Objectives
To analyze our initial experience with pericardial procedures in patients with pericardial effusion.

Material and Methods
A total of 15 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy due to severe pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade. Primary success was defined as an effective percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy without the need of a new intervention due to pericardial effusion and absence of major complications during hospitalization. A pericardial biopsy was performed through the same route in 3 patients.

Results
The primary success was achieved in all the procedures. The most frequent complication during hospitalization was pleural effusion. One year after the procedure 7 patients had died due to the underlying condition; none of them had had recurrent pericardial effusion.

Conclusions
In our series of patients, percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy appeared to be a useful and simple technique, with a high rate of success and a low incidence of complications and recurrences. Percutaneous pericardial biopsy might add diagnostic information within the same procedure.