Blind subxiphoid pericardiotomy to relieve critical acute hemopericardium: a final report

Abstract

BSP was safe and effective for cardiac tamponade due to acute hemopericardium. Critical complications during PCD for hemopericardium could not be avoided in some cases because of clots in the pericardium.

Emergency room thoracotomy for acute traumatic cardiac tamponade caused by a blunt cardiac injury: A case report

“…However, pericardiocentesis and a subxiphoid pericardiotomy are often ineffective for cardiac decompression with clot formation within the pericardial space [3]. In our patient, adequate drainage and hemodynamic stabilization were not achieved with a subxiphoid pericardiotomy.…”

“…However, a prompt diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving in cardiac tamponade [1], [2]. Although chronic cardiac tamponade is relieved using pericardiocentesis or a subxiphoid pericardiotomy in heart disease, these are often ineffective as cardiac decompression procedures with clot formation within the pericardial space in traumatic cases [3]. The typical physical findings of cardiac tamponade are not always apparent with life-threatening acute cardiac tamponade after blunt trauma.…”

Pericardial Clot on Point-of-Care Ultrasound

“…[5][6] Pericardiotomy in recent studies has been found to be superior to pericardiocentesis for a multitude of reasons, including decreased rates of failure to relieve pressure, decreased rates of complications such as damage to surrounding structures, and increased rates of survival. 7 In our patient, the use of point-of-care ultrasound was able to quickly make the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade and clotted blood in the pericardium. Knowing this information allowed this patient to undergo definitive management.…”