What is the pericardium? The pericardium is a sac that surrounds
the heart. Normally, it holds just enough fluid to cushion and
lubricate the heart muscle. Disease, infection, or injury can
cause fluid to build up in this sac. The pressure from this
extra fluid can make it hard for the heart to pump as it should.
Why does a pericardial effusion occur? Pericardial effusion has
a number of causes which includes viral infection, cancer, renal
disease, heart failure, hypothyroidism, and after cardiac
surgery. A pericardial window is used both to provide a
diagnosis and to improve heart function. What are the reasons
for a pericardial window? - Fluid build-up around the heart
(pericardial effusion) that causes heart function to get worse.
- The pericardial window permits a view of biopsy sites.
Biopsies, or tissue samples, may be needed when some lung tumors
occur. Pleural tumors may be benign or malignant. What is
pericardial window? A pericardial window can be made with a
small incision below the end of the brea