Thoracoscopic creation of a pericardial window for recurrent pericardial effusion after heart transplantation.
A 56-year-old man underwent orthotopic heart transplantation (Htx) for dilative cardiomyopathy. The postoperative course was uneventful despite the appearance of pericardial effusions during the first 6 months, which required repeated drainage therapy. Six months postoperatively a pericardial window was created using a thoracoscopic approach via the right pleural cavity. The course after this intervention was uncomplicated and there was no recurrence of the pericardial effusion during 18 months of follow-up.
Brandt
M
M
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Christian-Albrechts-University Hospital, Kiel, Germany.
Brückner
M
M
Hirt
S W
SW
Cremer
J
J
Schröder
D
D
Haverich
A
A
D004724:Endoscopy; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000601:surgery*; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome