Subxiphoid access to normal pericardium with micropuncture set: technical feasibility study in pigs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Pericardial access is crucial for diagnosing and treating various cardiac conditions.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought to improve patient safety and reduce complications.
• The subxiphoid approach offers a potential alternative for pericardial access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of a novel subxiphoid pericardial access technique.
• To assess the efficacy of using a micropuncture set for pericardial space entry.
• To determine the safety profile of this approach in an animal model.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized a subxiphoid approach in 10 large white pigs under fluoroscopic guidance.
• A fine needle was inserted into the anterior mediastinal space to access the pericardial space.
• A micropuncture set was successfully placed in the pericardial space in all subjects.

Main Results:

• The subxiphoid pericardial access technique was technically feasible in all animals.
• The procedure was completed without any immediate complications.
• Post-procedure necropsy at 24 hours revealed no evidence of hemomediastinum, hemopericardium, or pericardial laceration.

Conclusions:

• The subxiphoid pericardial access technique using a micropuncture set is safe and feasible in a porcine model.
• This minimally invasive method demonstrates potential for clinical application in pericardial procedures.
• Further research may explore the translation of this technique to human patients.