Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy using the hugging balloon technique: A case series of three high-risk patients...

In patients with recurrent pericardial effusion and poor general condition, surgical intervention is often not feasible, and the establishment of a less invasive yet effective method for continuous drainage remains a clinical challenge. We performed percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy in three patients who developed cardiac tamponade or pre-tamponade due to malignant pericarditis or unexplained recurrent pericardial effusion. All patients were considered unsuitable for surgical procedures due to their poor systemic status. Following the intervention, effective drainage was achieved without recurrence of pericardial effusion, and all patients were able to be discharged home. Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy may represent a safe and practical alternative for managing recurrent pericardial effusion in patients for whom surgery is not an option.

Managing recurrent pericardial effusion in patients with poor general condition remains a clinical challenge, particularly when surgery is not feasible due to advanced malignancy or frailty. Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy using the hugging balloon technique may offer a minimally invasive and effective alternative, providing symptom relief and facilitating discharge in high-risk patients with otherwise limited treatment options.