Having Pericardial Window Surgery

A pericardial window is surgery done on the sac around the heart. A small part of the sac is removed. This lets excess fluid drain from the sac.

What to tell your doctor

Before your surgery, tell your doctor:

• What medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. You may need to stop taking some medicines before surgery, such as blood thinners and aspirin.

• If you smoke. You may need to quit before surgery. Smoking can delay healing. Talk with your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.

• If you’ve had recent changes in your health. This includes an infection or fever.

• If you are sensitive or allergic to anything. This includes medicines, latex, tape, and anesthetic medicines.

• If you are pregnant. Also tell your doctor if you could be pregnant.

Getting ready for your surgery

Make sure to do the following:

• Ask a family member or friend to take you home from the hospital.

• Make plans for some help at home while you recover.

• Follow any directions you are given for taking medicines and for not eating or drinking before surgery.

• Read the consent form and ask questions if something is not clear.

• Follow all other instructions from your doctor.

Tests before your surgery

You may need tests before your surgery, such as:

• A chest X-ray.

• An electrocardiogram to check the heart rhythm.

• Blood tests to check your general health.

• An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to look at the heart and blood flow through the heart.

• A CT scan or MRI scan if your doctor needs more information about your heart.

• A heart catheterization to look at the coronary blood vessels.

On the day of your surgery

Your surgery will be done by a surgeon who specializes in heart operations. They will work with a specialized team. The surgery can be done in several ways. Ask your doctor about the details of your surgery. In general, you can expect the following:

• You may have general anesthesia, medicines that allow you to sleep through surgery. You won’t feel any pain during surgery. Or you may be given medicine (sedation) to make you relaxed and sleepy during surgery. Numbing medicine may be used in the area of the surgery.

• Your vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure, will be watched during surgery. You may have a breathing tube put down your throat during surgery to help you breathe.

• Hair in the area of the surgery may be removed.

• The surgeon will make a cut (incision) a few inches below the breastbone, or between the ribs. Tools are used through this incision. If thoracoscopy is used, several smaller incisions may be made on the side of the chest instead. Small cameras and tools are inserted through these small incisions.

• A small piece of the pericardium is removed. This creates a small window in the sac.

• A tube may be put between the layers of the pericardium or in the cavity of the lungs. This is to help drain the fluid. A sample of the fluid may be sent to a lab for analysis.

• The incisions will be closed with stitches or staples. A bandage will be put on the area.

After your surgery

After surgery, you will spend several hours in a recovery room. You may be sleepy and confused when you wake up. Your care team will watch your vital signs, such as your heart rate and breathing. You will likely have a tube draining the fluid from your heart or chest. You may feel some soreness, but you shouldn’t feel severe pain. You’ll be given pain medicine if you need it. You may be in the hospital for a few days. You will be able to drink the day after surgery. You can have regular food as soon as you are able.

Recovering at home

Follow all the instructions your doctor gives you for medicines, exercise, diet, and wound care. You may feel tired for days or a week or more after surgery. You should be able to go back to your normal activities soon. Ask your doctor if you can exercise. Don’t lift anything heavy for several weeks.

Follow-up care

You will have your stitches or staples removed in a follow-up appointment in 7 to 10 days. Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.

• More fluid draining from the wound.

• Swelling of the legs or abdomen.

• Persistent nausea or vomiting.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have:

• Chest pain that gets worse, or unusual chest pain.

• Difficulty breathing that is new or gets worse.

• Fainting or lightheadedness.

• Any other severe symptoms.