title: Pericardial window procedures: Implications on left ventricular function.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pericardial window procedures are generally designed to relieve pericardial fluid pressure on the heart, in cases of cardiac tamponade, and to restore the hemodynamic stability of the patient. Rarely, however, may acute left ventricular failure develop after creation of a pericardial window.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a patient in whom that complication developed. We are trying to give an insight to the pathophysiology, existence of potential predisposing factors, as well as to propose therapeutic measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acute heart failure, developing after pericardiocentesis or surgical creation of a pericardial window is an unusual complication, with several theories developed to explain that paradox.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment is supportive, but that complication of pericardial window procedures may carry a high mortality rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, General Hospital of Chania, Chania, Greece. Electronic address: gphilippakis@hotmail.gr.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Philippakis
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marinakis
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Manoloudakis