Final answer:
Pericardiectomy is the definitive treatment for chronic constrictive pericarditis as it surgically removes the thickened pericardium that restricts cardiac function, unlike antibiotics or other medical treatments that do not address the mechanical issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definitive treatment for a patient with chronic constrictive pericarditis is surgical excision of the pericardium, often referred to as pericardiectomy. This condition involves the thickening and calcification of the pericardium, leading to a decrease in the heart's ability to fill with blood during diastole. While medication may assist in managing symptoms temporarily, they do not address the underlying mechanical restriction caused by the thickened pericardium. Therefore, pericardiectomy is the treatment of choice to relieve this constriction. Antibiotic therapy may be suitable for acute infectious pericarditis caused by Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp., and pericardiocentesis could be used for diagnostic purposes or to relieve symptoms in acute cases, but these are not definitive treatments for chronic constrictive pericarditis.