Pericardial Rupture and Chronic Subluxation of the Heart: A Case Report ()
ABSTRACT
Background: Pericardial rupture is a rare diagnosis, usually occurring secondary to
high energy blunt force trauma, which can result in subluxation of the heart. Aim: To determine a suitable method for repair of a pericardial defect post
traumatic pericardial rupture. Case: We present a 55-year-old male who
was found to have a large pericardial defect intra-operatively while undergoing
an elective Ross procedure. The defect was repaired with a Gore-Tex membrane.
The patient underwent revision sternotomy and repair of the pericardium due to
inadequate laxity of the repaired pericardium resulting in hemodynamic instability. Conclusion: Synthetic membranes, such as Gore-Tex membranes, can be used
successfully for repair of large pericardial defects but care must be taken to
prevent undue tension secondary to taut repair, resulting in hemodynamic
compromise.
Share and Cite:
Rajabifard, P. , Agarwal, A. and Skillington, P. (2021) Pericardial Rupture and Chronic Subluxation of the Heart: A Case Report.
World Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery,
11, 75-81. doi:
10.4236/wjcs.2021.119011.