Pericardiotomy is a medical procedure that involves cutting open the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart. The word is spelled as "per-i-car-di-o-to-my" and is pronounced as /ˌpɛrɪkɑrdɪˈɑtəmi/. The word is derived from Greek roots, with "peri" meaning around, "cardio" referring to the heart, and "tomy" meaning cutting. This procedure is usually done to relieve pressure on the heart caused by a buildup of fluid or inflammation. Proper spelling of medical terms is important for clear communication and accurate documentation in the healthcare field.
Pericardiotomy is a medical procedure that involves making an incision into the pericardium, which is the sac-like membrane that surrounds and protects the heart. The pericardium consists of two layers: an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer. The serous layer is divided into two parts, the tough parietal layer that lines the fibrous layer and the delicate visceral layer that directly covers the heart.
Pericardiotomy is performed to gain access to the heart or pericardial space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It can be done through different approaches, such as a median sternotomy (incision through the sternum) or a subxiphoid incision (beneath the sternum). During pericardiotomy, the surgeon carefully opens the pericardium to visualize and assess the heart, perform procedures on it, remove fluid or blood clots, or repair any damage.
This procedure is most commonly used in cardiac surgery to address conditions that involve the pericardium, such as constrictive pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, or pericardial effusion. Pericardiotomy is often combined with other surgical procedures, like pericardiectomy, coronary artery bypass grafting, or heart valve repair or replacement.
As with any surgical intervention, pericardiotomy carries risks, including bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures, or adverse effects associated with anesthesia. However, it is generally considered a safe and effective procedure in properly selected patients and can have a significant positive impact on their cardiac health and overall well-being.
Incision into the pericardium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pericardiotomy" has its roots in Greek. It can be broken down into two main components: "pericardio" and "tomy".
1. "Pericardio" is derived from the Greek word "perikardion", which means "pericardium". The pericardium is the double-layered membranous sac that surrounds and protects the heart.
2. "Tomy" comes from the Greek word "tomḗ", meaning "cutting" or "incision". It is often used as a suffix in medical terminology to indicate a surgical procedure involving a cut or incision.
Thus, "pericardiotomy" combines these two components to describe a surgical incision or cutting of the pericardium.