Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
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Catheter Cardiovasc Interv · Mar 2008
Comparative StudyPrimary percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy for malignant pericardial effusion.
Pericardial effusion associated with malignancy is a life-threatening complication of late-stage disease. While simple drainage is effective in relieving the symptoms, reaccumulation of effusion may cause further symptomatic episodes, often during a period when overall patient management is focused on improving the quality of remaining life. Over a 16-year period, we have adopted a strategy of managing such patients with balloon pericardiotomy as the initial preferred treatment. The results are described and compared to alternative management strategies. ⋯ Balloon pericardiotomy, as initial management of symptomatic malignant pericardial effusions, allows a definitive procedure to be performed at presentation. This can be achieved with low complication rates, similar to treatment by simple drainage.