Pericardial Window
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart. There is a small amount of fluid between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between its two layers increases, compressing the heart and interfering with its ability to function properly.
This build-up og fluid is called pericardial effusion and is usually treated by insertion of a needle or catheter to drain the excess fluid during a procedure called pericardiocentesis. If the condition becomes chronic the surgeon may elect to perform a procedure called a pericardial window, to create a more permanent opening for drainage into the space surrounding the heart.
Performing a pericardial window traditionally required open-chest surgery, resulting in a large scar
and a lengthy recovery time. With the advent of minimally-invasive robotic surgery, however, a new
approach became available resulting in less trauma, less pain and faster recovery.
Saint Joseph's Center for Robotic Surgery offers this new approach through the use of the da Vinci
Surgical System. For the clinically appropriate patient, da Vinci pericardial window offers a number
of potential benefits, including:
- Less post-operative pain
- Less risk of infection
- Less anesthesia
- Less blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster and more complete recovery
- Quicker return to normal daily activities
For more information about robotic surgery, call 1-866-SJ-ROBOT (1-866-757-6268). For more information about Saint Joseph's Heart and Vascular Institute, call 678-843-7633.
