Pleural and Pericardial Effusion Following Open Heart Surgery
Pleural and Pericardial Effusion Following Open Heart Surgery
One of the most common postoperative complications after open cardiac surgery is fluid
 accumulation between the pleural membranes or in the pericardial sac. This study investigates
 the consequence of such fluid accumulations on physical performance, recovery-time, cardiac
 and respiratory complications, and quality of life. Half of the participants will be followed
 closely and offered fluid drainage at a low threshold, and half of the participants will
 follow the current postoperative regimen.
Introduction:

 Knowledge concerning the impact of pleural and pericardial effusions on physical performance,
 recovery-time, cardiac and respiratory complications, and quality of life after open cardiac
 surgery is scarce. A more aggressive approach towards effusions has been suggested, but
 further studies are needed.

 Objectives:

 1. to determine the size of pleural and pericardial effusion that results in at least 30%
 reduction of physical performance in the 6-minute walk test.

 2. to compare the improvement in physical performance between the intervention group and
 the control group, measured from baseline to day 30 after surgery.

 Materials and methods:

 A randomised controlled intervention trial. Patients admitted for open cardiac surgery
 (aortic valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and combinations) will be
 randomised into either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will
 be followed with physical tests and ultrasonic examination the month following surgery.
 Pleural or pericardial effusion of a predefined size will be drained. The control group will
 follow the current postoperative regimen.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age >18 years.

 -  Admitted for elective aortic valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft surgery or
 combinations.

 -  Be able to understand the written and oral patient information and to give informed
 consent.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Surgical combinations involving the mitral valve since they are already examined with
 full echocardiography prior to discharge, which may influence protocol driven
 decisions.

 -  Simultaneous participation in any other clinical intervention trial