Successful transabdominal subxiphoid pericardiostomy to relieve chronic pericardial effusion in a Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelli).
A 46-yr-old female Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelli) was first diagnosed with pericardial effusion in July 2006. Pericardiocentesis performed in January 2007 only provided short-term relief. In May 2007, a pericardial-peritoneal window was created using a transabdominal subxiphoid pericardiostomy technique, providing immediate and long-term relief. Seven months later, the orangutan was euthanized due to worsening heart failure, and no pericardial effusion was present. Transabdominal subxiphoid pericardiostomy offers a straightforward surgical approach that can provide significant relief in cases of chronic pericardial effusion in great apes.
Robbins
P K
PK
Veterinary Services, San Diego Zoo, 1354 Old Globe Way, San Diego, California 92101, USA. probbins@sandiegozoo.org
Pye
Geoffrey W
GW
Sutherland-Smith
Meg
M
Papendick
Rebecca
R
Greenberg
Mark
M
Levy
Denis
D
Madani
Michael
M
D000818:Animals; D018420:Ape Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D011148:Pongo pygmaeus; D016896:Treatment Outcome