Pericardiectomy is a surgical procedure in which part or all of the pericardium—the protective sac surrounding the heart is removed. This is typically done when the pericardium becomes abnormally thick or scarred, often due to chronic inflammation, leading to a condition called constrictive pericarditis. The stiffened sac restricts heart movement, and surgery helps restore normal cardiac function.
There are two main types of pericardiectomy total and partial. In a total pericardiectomy, the entire pericardial sac is removed. In a partial pericardiectomy, only the affected or scarred portions are removed. These procedures can be performed through traditional open-heart surgery or, in some cases, using minimally invasive techniques, depending on the severity and patient’s health.
Pericardiectomy is often required when chronic inflammation leads to a thickened or calcified pericardium. Common causes include tuberculosis, viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases (like lupus), radiation therapy, or previous heart surgeries. These conditions result in constrictive pericarditis, which cannot be resolved with medications alone. Surgery becomes the definitive treatment to restore normal heart function.
Common symptoms suggesting the need for pericardiectomy include shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, leg swelling, chest tightness, and reduced exercise tolerance. These symptoms arise due to restricted heart movement caused by a stiff or calcified pericardium. When medications fail to provide relief, and the symptoms worsen, doctors may recommend pericardiectomy as a more permanent solution.
Diagnosis involves a combination of imaging and functional tests. Doctors may use echocardiograms, CT scans, or MRIs to view the thickness and calcification of the pericardium. Cardiac catheterization is often used to measure the heart’s pressure and function, helping confirm constrictive pericarditis. These evaluations help determine whether pericardiectomy is necessary to relieve symptoms and restore function.
The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia. A cardiac surgeon makes an incision in the chest, then carefully removes the scarred or calcified pericardial tissue compressing the heart. The goal is to relieve this pressure and restore normal cardiac filling and function. Recovery involves hospital stay and cardiac rehabilitation, depending on the patient’s condition and surgery extent.
Consult a heart specialist promptly if you experience symptoms linked to heart compression or inflammation.
Breathing difficulty not linked to physical activity could indicate pressure on your heart due to a stiffened pericardium.
Constant or recurring pain in the chest could be due to pericardial inflammation or thickening.
Constant or recurring pain in the chest could be due to pericardial inflammation or thickening.
When the heart can’t pump efficiently, it reduces energy levels. This symptom should never be ignored.
A struggling heart may beat irregularly, signaling the need for further investigation and possible surgical treatment.
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From diagnosis to discharge, mediSuggest guided me with compassion. A life-saving experience.
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Thanks to mediSuggest, I got my pericardiectomy done without delays. I can breathe freely now.
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Pericardiectomy is a heart surgery that removes the thickened outer lining (pericardium) of the heart to improve heart function and relieve symptoms.
Pericardiectomy is a heart surgery that removes the thickened outer lining (pericardium) of the heart to improve heart function and relieve symptoms.
This surgery is required when the pericardium becomes stiff or scarred (usually due to inflammation), compressing the heart and restricting its movement.
Like any heart surgery, there are risks, but when performed by experienced surgeons, it has high success rates and greatly improves patient quality of life.
Patients often experience relief from breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling. The heart can pump more freely after surgery, improving overall health.
Hospital stay may be around a week. Full recovery takes a few weeks to a couple of months with proper rest and follow-ups.
