Pericardiectomy

Pericardiectomy may be considered when imaging and hemodynamics suggest constrictive pericarditis and drug treatment is difficult to control symptoms or congestive manifestations recur. The decision focuses on the cause (such as tuberculosis, post-operative, radiotherapy, etc.), course and degree of fibrosis, overall cardiopulmonary and liver and kidney function, nutritional and infection status. Whether there is a feasible surgical approach and perioperative support is determined by cardiothoracic surgery and multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment.