Abstract
The pericardium is a unique structure that surrounds the heart and serves several important physiological roles; the removal of the pericardium, certain pericardial disorders, or the build-up of fluids within this space will ultimately alter hemodynamic performance. Recent therapeutic approaches have been directed to exploit the space that exists between the pericardium and the epicardial surface of the heart. New devices and techniques are being developed to access this space in a minimally invasive fashion. The pharmacokinetics of many drugs may be greatly enhanced if the drug is delivered into the pericardium. As more is learned about the pericardium, it may play a more significant role in cardiac therapies.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Handbook of Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology, and Devices |
Subtitle of host publication | Second Edition |
Publisher | Humana Press |
Pages | 125-136 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781588294432 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright:Copyright 2014 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Comparative anatomy
- Intrapericardial therapeutics
- Mechanical effects
- Pericardial disorders
- Pericardial fluid
- Pericardium