Why does a pericardial effusion occur?
Pericardial effusion has a number of causes which includes viral infection, cancer, renal disease, heart failure, hypothyroidism, and after cardiac surgery. A pericardial window is used both to provide a diagnosis and to improve heart function. What are the reasons for a pericardial window? • Fluid build-up around the heart (pericardial effusion) that causes heart function to get worse. • The pericardial window permits a view of biopsy sites. Biopsies, or tissue samples, may be needed when some lung tumors occur. Pleural tumors may be benign or malignant. What is pericardial window? A pericardial window can be made with a small incision below the end of the breastbone (sternum) or with a small incision between the ribs on the left side of the chest. An incision is made in the pericardium to drain fluid that has built up around the heart. A tube may be placed to drain extra fluid for a short time after surgery. This helps the heart pump effectively again. What should I expect? An intrav
