Pericardectomy

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Pericardectomy is the surgical removal of the pericardium. It takes place by removing the infected pericardium. The procedure begins when the surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the breastbone and divides it to expose the pericardium. During the surgery, the surgeon will grasp the pericardium, cut the top of this fibrous covering of the heart, drop into the specimen bag, and the heart is recovered. Then, the surgeon will wire the breastbone back together, the incision is closed, and the procedure is completed.