title: The management of malignant pericardial effusions using permanently implanted devices.
abstract: We present a new approach utilising VATS and a Port-system (Medi-Port MP-GS9; IAP-HMP) that allows home management of pericardial effusion in patients with advanced malignancy and recurrent effusion. All patients underwent thoracoscopic pericardial window under general anaesthesia. On completion of this procedure a Port-system was permanently implanted with the reservoir body placed in a subcutaneous pocket and the outlet catheter inserted into the pleural cavity which allows aspiration of the effusion at home, on becoming symptomatic.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery-Cardiac and Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy. f.melfi@med.unipi.it
authors.forename: Franca M A
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Melfi
authors.forename: Gian Franco
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Menconi
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chella
authors.forename: Carlo Alberto
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Angeletti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019452:Terminally Ill; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods