[Subxiphoid pericardial window drainage in the management of large pericardial effusions].
OBJECTIVE
To choose a safe, effective, minimum invasive procedure for treatment of patients with a large pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of 30 cases with large pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade diagnosed by echocardiography during four years (1993-1997). The subxiphoid pericardial window drainage and pericardial tissue biopsy was performed.


RESULTS
The symptoms were improved immediately following the drainage. The drainage volume during operation was 200-2,000 ml, and postoperation was 0-2,000 ml. The drainage tube was kept in position for average of 5.6 days. With the echocardiography follow up, the pericardial effusion disappeared or remained only minimum fluid in 96.7% of the patients. The complications happened in 6 cases. The 30-days mortality was 6.7%.


CONCLUSIONS
The subxiphoid pericardial window drainage procedure is the first choice for a safe, effective, minimal invasive and easy to do procedure for the patients with a large pericardial effusions or cardiac tamponade.
Miao
Q
Q
PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing 100730.
Yu
H
H
Ren
H
H
Wang
Z
Z
Shen
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000601:surgery*; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques; D012189:Retrospective Studies