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Subxiphoid Access to Normal Pericardium with Micropuncture Set: Technical Feasibility Study in Pigs¹

¹ From the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Campus Universitario, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, 10071 Cáceres, Spain. Received December 23, 2004; revision requested February 23, 2005; revision received February 28; accepted March 15; final version accepted April 18. Address correspondence to F.S. (e-mail: feisun{at}ccmi.es).

This study was performed with approval from the ethics committee for animal research of the local government. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of a technique for subxiphoid access to the normal pericardial space with a micropuncture set in 10 large white pigs. With fluoroscopic guidance, a fine needle was inserted through a subxiphoid approach into the anterior mediastinal space to puncture the pericardium, and a micropuncture set was placed in the pericardial space successfully in all animals without complications. Necropsy at 24 hours did not reveal hemomediastinum, hemopericardium, or laceration of the pericardium. Results of the experiments in animals indicated that the technique was feasible and safe.

© RSNA, 2005