Constrictive pericarditis caused by pericardial substitution using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene

Abstract

Background: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is commonly used as a pericardial substitute during cardiac surgery to prevent cardiac injury during re-sternotomy. However, although rare, constrictive pericarditis associated with ePTFE has been reported.

Material, methods and results: Here, we report a rare case of constrictive pericarditis developed due to severe restriction of cardiac motion associated with the ePTFE membrane used as a pericardial substitute. Hemodynamic improvement has been achieved by surgical removal of the ePTFE membrane and exudates within the overlapped portion of the ePTFE membranes, and dissection of the epicardial fibrous thickening.

Conclusion: Considering the risk of constrictive pericarditis, we believe that the use of ePTFE membranes as a pericardial substitute should be carefully indicated for only selected patients.

Keywords: cardiac surgery; constrictive pericarditis; expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.