Surgical Management for Recurrent Pericarditis When is Surgery Indicated

Guest: Kevin L. Greason, M.D.
Host: S. Allen Luis, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.
Upon completion of this podcast, the reviewer will understand that pericardiectomy is an important treatment option for patients with recurrent pericarditis, particularly where refractory to medical therapy. The outcomes of surgery are good with low morbidity and reduction of recurrent pericarditis episodes.
Topics Discussed:
Which recurrent pericarditis patients should have pericardiectomy and How effective is it?
What are outcomes like after cardiac surgery in terms of efficacy and adverse outcomes ?
Can you speak to important surgical considerations when performing pericardiectomy? How do you do it?
Can you comment on the impact of peri-procedural immunosuppression on post-surgical outcomes?