Abstract
Background Reconstruction of cardiac structures has been the goal of many surgeons even before
the advent of open-heart procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass. Unsatisfactory results
with synthetic materials has switched the attention to biological tissues, among which
pericardium, either autologous or of animal origin, has been widely used as patch
material.
Methods We have reviewed the literature to assess the effective role of pericardial tissue
in the correction of various acquired cardiac lesions. Particularly, special attention
was given not only to established techniques but also to detect any peculiar and unusual
application of pericardium.
Results Autologous pericardium is frequently used as patch material particularly when limited
valvular lesions must be corrected, while xenograft pericardium appears particularly
useful in patients with endocarditis and extensive destruction of the intracardiac
structures by infection and abscesses. Pericardium is an extremely versatile material
owing to its pliability and strength; however, it tends to calcify in the long term
when in contact with blood, although stability of the repair is maintained in most
cases.
Conclusions Pericardium plays an important role in various cardiac and aortic pathologies. Tissues
resistant to fibrosis and calcification to be used as patch material are the ideal
solution for more successful cardiac reconstruction procedures and will hopefully
be provided by the ongoing research.
Keywords
autologous pericardium - xenograft pericardium - cardiac reconstruction
