Impact of the total pericardial closure using bilateral trap door incision and pericardial cavity intervention on outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized, controlled, parallel-group prospective study.

OBJECTIVES

In this randomized, controlled and parallel-group prospective study, the feasibility of total pericardial closure with an intrapericardial drain and a pericardio-pleural window (pericardial cavity intervention) was investigated by examining postoperative outcomes, including atrial fibrillation and pericardial effusion, following coronary artery surgery.

METHODS

Cases were classified into two groups using a random procedure: the closure group and the open group. Insertion of an intrapericardial drain along the right atrium, pericardio-pleural window and total closure of the pericardium were performed in patients in the closure group. Partial closure of the pericardium was performed in patients in the open group. A straight semi-rigid drain was inserted into the extrapericardial anterior mediastinum and a right angle drain was inserted into the left chest in all patients. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the impact of surgical technique on the rate of postoperative in-hospital atrial fibrillation in the closure group. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the relationship between the surgical technique and postoperative amount of pericardial effusion.

RESULTS

A total of 142 isolated, on-pump cases were examined: 72 in the open group and 70 in the closure group. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 27.78% of the cases in the open group and 8.57% of the patients in the closure group (P = 0.003). Another statistically significant outcome was the lower incidence of small pericardial effusion in the patient group with a closed pericardium during the second day of postoperative care (P = 0.039). The length of both critical care unit (P = 0.008) and hospital stay (P = 0.047) were also significantly shorter in the patient group with a closed pericardium.

CONCLUSIONS

Total pericardiorrhaphy with pericardial cavity intervention can be acceptable and favourable in terms of its outcomes, including reducing incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, pericardial effusion and length of hospitalization.