Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Published on: March 27, 2018
[Pericardiectomy for post-coronary artery bypass grafting constrictive pericarditis; strategy for safe and complete
T Shibuya1, M Ohmi, S Kawamoto
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sendai National Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
Insights
Complete pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is feasible. A strategy using 3D CT, bilateral thoracotomy, and Doppler ultrasound ensures graft safety and successful surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) necessitates pericardiectomy.
- Complete pericardiectomy must avoid injury to bypass grafts.
- Optimal surgical strategy is crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Preoperative 3D CT precisely mapped bypass grafts and surrounding anatomy.
- Bilateral thoracotomy was chosen to protect grafts and facilitate exposure.
- Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound confirmed graft patency and surgical safety.
Findings:
- Complete pericardiectomy was safely achieved 15 months post-CABG.
- The combined approach of 3D CT, bilateral thoracotomy, and Doppler ultrasound proved effective.
- No bypass graft injuries occurred during the procedure.
Implications:
- This integrated strategy enhances the safety and efficacy of pericardiectomy in post-CABG patients.
- 3D CT and Doppler ultrasound are vital for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance.
- Bilateral thoracotomy offers a safe surgical approach for complex pericardiectomy cases.
Abstract:
Surgery for constrictive pericarditis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) needs complete pericardiectomy without injury to bypass grafts. We performed pericardiectomy for post-CABG constrictive pericarditis 15 months after the first surgery. Preoperative multislice helical 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) clearly demonstrated the patent bypass grafts and anatomical relationship between grafts and surrounding organs. Among surgical approaches, we chose bilateral thoracotomy to avoid injury to the bypass grafts and to obtain a good surgical exposure, especially for pericardiectomy of the left side of the heart. Additionally, with the use of intraoperative doppler ultrasound blood flowmetry, we could safely achieve complete pericardiectomy. We conclude that the combined application of 3-dimensional CT, bilateral thoracotomy and doppler ultrasound blood flowmetry was a supreme strategy for the operation of constrictive pericarditis after CABG.
More Related Videos
05:31Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement from Autologous Pericardium with a Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Adult Sheep Model
Published on: June 8, 2022
05:25Surgical Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Treated by Exosome-laden Collagen Patch and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Published on: September 15, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management