Pericardiorrhaphy is a medical term that refers to the surgical repair of the pericardium, a membrane surrounding the heart. The spelling of the word can seem daunting, but understanding its pronunciation can help. The IPA phonetic transcription of pericardiorrhaphy is /ˌperɪkɑːrdiˈɔːrəfi/. The word begins with the prefix peri- meaning "around," followed by the word cardia for "heart," and ends with the suffix -rrhaphy meaning "suture." This lengthy term conveys the intricate nature of the medical procedure it describes.
Pericardiorrhaphy is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the repair or suturing of the pericardium, which is the membrane that surrounds and protects the heart. This anatomical structure consists of two layers: the outer fibrous layer called the parietal pericardium and the inner serous layer known as the visceral pericardium.
Pericardiorrhaphy is typically conducted to treat various conditions affecting the pericardium, such as pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), pericardial effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space), or cardiac tamponade (compression of the heart due to excess fluid or blood). The procedure aims to repair any tears, perforations, or other damages in the pericardium to restore its normal function and prevent further complications.
During a pericardiorrhaphy, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and gains access to the pericardium. The damaged area is carefully examined, and any necessary repairs are made using sutures or other specialized techniques, depending on the extent and nature of the injury or condition being treated. The pericardium is then closed, and the incision in the chest is sutured back together.
Pericardiorrhaphy is a significant surgical procedure that requires the skills and expertise of cardiovascular surgeons. It may be performed as an open-heart surgery or utilizing minimally invasive techniques, depending on the specific case and the surgeon's preference. It is often conducted under general anesthesia and may involve the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, a machine that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs during the procedure.
Suture of a wound of the pericardium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pericardiorrhaphy" is derived from Greek roots.
- "Peri-" means "around" or "surrounding".
- "Cardi-" refers to the heart.
- "-rrhaphy" is a suffix in medical terminology that denotes "suturing" or "surgical repair".
Therefore, "pericardiorrhaphy" can be broken down as follows: "peri" (around) + "cardio" (heart) + "rrhaphy" (suturing/surgical repair). It refers to the surgical repair of the pericardium, which is the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart.