Thoracoscopic pericardiectomy: A feasibility study and impact on cardiac volumetry in healthy horses

Abstract

SummaryThis study was conceived to evaluate the feasibility of a thoracoscopic technique intended for partial pericardiectomy in horses and how cardiac volumes are influenced by such procedure in an immediate and mid‐term perspective. Thoracoscopic pericardiectomy, which is known as a minimally invasive technique, was performed in six healthy horses. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in every horse at different times, before and after the procedure. According to the area‐length method, the following parameters were evaluated: maximum left atrial volume, minimum left atrial volume, left ventricular volume in systole and left ventricular volume in diastole. These variables were used to calculate the ejection fraction of the left atrium and left ventricle. After 28 days, repeated thoracoscopy was performed to inspect the thoracic cavity. Pericardiectomy was successfully performed in all horses, with post‐operative complication documented in only one animal. After 28 days, adhesion was observed in two animals, located between the epicardium and the thoracic wall, without however impairing cardiac function. Pericardial window was broad and well delimited in all horses, without impairing cardiac function. The thoracoscopic pericardiectomy was feasible in all horses. Although a mild reduction in cardiac volumes was documented in the first 72 h after surgery, the procedure did not impair cardiac filling and emptying in the mid‐term perspective. Future studies are warranted to investigate how this technique performs in horses with pericardial diseases.