[1] The purpose of the window is to allow a pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade to drain from the space surrounding the heart into the chest cavity.
[2][3] It is the most common procedure to treat pericardial effusion, particularly if caused by cancer.
[6] To remove pericardial fluid, other more minor techniques should be considered first, such as pericardiocentesis.
[4] Pericardial window is usually performed under general anaesthetic by a cardiac surgeon.
[6] Pericardial window was first performed by Baron Dominique Jean Larrey in 1829.