Which device is inflated across the pericardial sac during pericardial window creation?

Which device is inflated across the pericardial sac during pericardial window creation?

• A. Inoue balloon
• B. Swan-Ganz catheter
• C. Fogarty catheter
• D. Pigtail catheter

Answer: (A)

Creating a pericardial window aims to form a controlled opening in the pericardium to allow ongoing drainage of fluid into the pleural cavity. A balloon catheter is inserted into the pericardial space and then inflated to gently dissect and dilate the pericardial layers, fashioning a stable window without causing excessive injury. The Inoue balloon is the best fit for this task because it provides controlled, low-pressure dilation and can be maneuvered to create the opening cleanly and safely. Other devices listed have different primary roles: a Swan-Ganz (pulmonary artery) catheter is used for hemodynamic monitoring, a Fogarty catheter is a vascular/embolus retrieval balloon not specifically tailored for fashioning a pericardial window, and a pigtail catheter is a drainage tube rather than a tool to create tissue openings.

Creating a pericardial window aims to form a controlled opening in the pericardium to allow ongoing drainage of fluid into the pleural cavity. A balloon catheter is inserted into the pericardial space and then inflated to gently dissect and dilate the pericardial layers, fashioning a stable window without causing excessive injury. The Inoue balloon is the best fit for this task because it provides controlled, low-pressure dilation and can be maneuvered to create the opening cleanly and safely. Other devices listed have different primary roles: a Swan-Ganz (pulmonary artery) catheter is used for hemodynamic monitoring, a Fogarty catheter is a vascular/embolus retrieval balloon not specifically tailored for fashioning a pericardial window, and a pigtail catheter is a drainage tube rather than a tool to create tissue openings.