Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Surgical Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Treated by Exosome-laden Collagen Patch and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Published on: September 15, 2023
Off-pump pericardiectomy using an ultrasonic scalpel and a heart positioner
Atsushi Fukumoto1, Masaaki Yamagishi, Kiyoshi Doi
1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan. fukumoto@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp
Insights
This study presents a novel surgical approach for constrictive pericarditis, avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass. The technique successfully removed calcified pericardium using an ultrasonic scalpel, with no blood transfusion required.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis necessitates pericardial stripping, typically involving cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Extensive pericardial dissection is often required, posing surgical challenges.
Observation:
- A pericardiectomy was performed on a constrictive pericarditis patient without cardiopulmonary bypass.
- A sternal retractor and suction heart positioner facilitated the procedure.
- An ultrasonic scalpel was utilized for dissecting severely calcified pericardium adhered to the epicardium.
Findings:
- The surgical procedure was successfully completed without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.
- No blood transfusions were administered during the operation.
- The patient did not experience any malignant arrhythmias post-operatively.
Implications:
- This approach offers a potentially less invasive surgical option for constrictive pericarditis.
- Minimally invasive techniques may reduce surgical risks and recovery time.
- Further research could explore the broader applicability of this technique in cardiac surgery.
Abstract:
The surgical treatment of constrictive pericarditis often requires extensive pericardial dissection under cardiopulmonary bypass. We performed a pericardiectomy in a patient with constrictive pericarditis without cardiopulmonary bypass, with assistance of a sternal retractor and a suction heart positioner. The severely calcified pericardium, which adhered tightly to the epicardium, was dissected with an ultrasonic scalpel. The operation was completed without blood transfusion. There was no malignant arrhythmia.
