Pericardiectomy: Unlocking the Heart from Constriction for Better Function – Dr. Vishal Khullar

Dr. Vishal Khullar, one of India’s leading cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, associated with Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Bandra, Mumbai, shares valuable insights on the complex Pericardiectomy procedure and other transformative cardiac interventions.

Recognized as a leading cardiac surgeon in Mumbai, India, Dr. Vishal Khullar is the first surgeon in the Indian Subcontinent to join as a Senior Associate Consultant at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA in cardiac treatment. Upon his return, he brings world-class expertise in cardiac care to patients in India.

Understanding Constrictive Pericarditis and Pericardiectomy:

The heart is placed in a pericardium, a thin, two-layered sac that helps with its smooth functioning while protecting it. However, people can develop constrictive pericarditis, a condition in which the sac becomes thick, rigid, and scarred, thereby compressing the heart and restricting blood flow.

Patients with Constrictive Pericarditis complain of swelling in the legs and abdomen, fatigue, accompanied with severe breathlessness and cannot function normally. To resolve this condition, most cardiac surgeons recommend the pericardiectomy procedure, in which the constricting pericardium is removed.

This procedure relieves the pressure on the heart, allowing it to pump efficiently, which often leads to improved breathing, increased energy, and a significantly better quality of life. The improved heart functioning is experienced soon after the patient recovers from the surgery. The pericardiectomy is a demanding surgery that requires a surgeon with advanced skills and precision. Extensive training and experience are essential for performing this procedure successfully.

Dr. Vishal Khullar states, ‘Constrictive pericarditis can greatly debilitate the patient. With a constricted heart, performing simple activities becomes very difficult. As a cardiac surgeon, I am committed to precisely diagnosing the condition and performing an intricately challenging surgery such as pericardiectomy to ensure that the heart’s normal functioning is restored, which is essential for the patient to recover and perform normally.’

He shares a patient story of a 45-year-old male presented with complaints of progressive shortness of breath, particularly while walking and climbing stairs. On clinical examination, he was noted to have distended neck veins. A 2D echocardiogram revealed equalization of pressures in all four cardiac chambers, while a CT scan demonstrated a thickened and calcified pericardium. These findings were consistent with constrictive pericarditis.

Constrictive pericarditis is a condition where the normally thin and flexible pericardium becomes thickened, rigid, and sometimes calcified. This restricts the heart’s ability to expand fully, leading to impaired filling of the heart chambers. As a result, patients often present with breathlessness, fatigue, swelling, and signs of right heart failure.

The patient underwent a complete pericardiectomy. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on day 7 in stable condition with significant symptomatic relief.

Dr. Khullar’s return to India indicates his dedication to providing optimal and globally acclaimed cardiac care, having acquired in-depth experience at the Cleveland Clinic, the #1 Centre in the world for Heart Surgery, the Mayo Clinic, the #2 Centre in the world for Heart Surgery, and the #1 hospital in the world. He aspired to offer his cardiac expertise and help people regain their cardiac health. Currently, he is an integral member of the Transplant Selection Committee, which oversees the selection of donors and recipients.

About Dr. Vishal Khullar:

He is one of India’s leading Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons based at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Bandra, Mumbai. With three decades of global experience, Dr. Khullar specializes in heart surgeries, lung transplant surgery, aortic root and arch replacement, and Redo-Sternotomies. He is committed to providing advanced medical care to patients in India, building programs for highly specialized treatments.

Contact Dr Vishal Khullar

VLSR – The Clinic

2nd floor, Corinthian, Linking Rd,

Opposite DBS bank, Khar West,

Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

Contact: +91-9987077880

Email:appointments@drvishalkhullar.com

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