Recurrent Cardiac Constriction after Implantation of an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Surgical Membrane

Abstract

One of the challenges compounding the complexity of reoperative cardiac surgery is the surgical adhesion, which can be responsible for adverse intraoperative events. Implantation of a substitute neo-pericardium has become a frequently used solution, with currently rising numbers of reoperations. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who developed recurrent delayed cardiac constriction following the implantation of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene neo-pericardium. Careful preoperative planning is recommended to plan the optimal method of pericardioplasty, taking into account the pros and cons of each available material.

Keywords

• pericardium
• cardiac surgery
• surgery