Dr. Rajendra Umbarkar

Pericardiectomy and pericardial window are surgical procedures used to treat conditions affecting the pericardium—the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. A pericardiectomy involves the surgical removal of part or all of the pericardium, usually performed in cases of constrictive pericarditis, where the pericardium becomes thickened or scarred and restricts normal heart function. This major surgery is typically done through a thoracotomy or sternotomy and can significantly relieve symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling caused by impaired heart filling.

A pericardial window, on the other hand, is a less invasive procedure where a small portion of the pericardium is removed to allow fluid to drain into the chest cavity, where it can be absorbed by the body. It is commonly performed to treat pericardial effusion—a buildup of fluid around the heart that can lead to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition. This procedure can be done through minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), or subxiphoid approach, offering effective relief with shorter recovery times. Both surgeries are crucial in managing pericardial diseases and improving cardiac function.