Question

Which the best approach to removing the parietal pericardium?

a. Start at the superior region of the heart where the major vessels are located so we don't damage them.
b. Start at the inferior region of the heart and remove the parietal pericardium until you reach the atria, then carefully cut the inferior portion of the parietal pericardium off. After you have done this you can slowly expose the major vessels by removing the rest of the parietal pericardium.
c. Start at the inferior end where the major vessesl are located, this will allow you to remove the parietal pericardium all at once and save time.
d. None of the above make any sense

Answer 1

b. Start at the inferior region of the heart and remove the parietal pericardium until you reach the atria, then carefully cut the inferior portion of the parietal pericardium off. After you have done this you can slowly expose the major vessels by removing the rest of the parietal pericardium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pericardium is a fluid-containing membrane that surrounds the heart and protects it from infections while also lubricating it during movement. Pericarditis is a condition in which the pericardium becomes stiff and holds the heart in such a way that it prevents normal pumping movement, filling the heart inconsistently with blood and causing heart failure. To solve this, pericardiectomy is performed which is the surgical removal of the pericardium. This is done through median sternotomy, this approach cuts through the breastbone to reach the inferior part of the heart and then the parietal pericardium which is the outer pericardium.