The following is a summary of “A new technique for closure of pericardial defects: pericardial rug weave,” published in the April 2024 issue of Surgery by Fındık et al.

Pericardial defects resulting from intrapericardial pneumonectomy represent a critical surgical challenge due to their potential for severe complications. To address this concern, mesh implantation has been a standard practice for closing such defects and mitigating associated risks. In the investigation, spanning the period from October 2010 to June 2022, the researchers conducted a thorough retrospective analysis of patients who underwent intrapericardial pneumonectomy coupled with pericardial resection at the institution. 

These patients were divided into two cohorts: those who received closure utilizing prolene mesh and those treated with an innovative technique termed the “Rug Weave,” which was proposed by the surgical team as an alternative method. Among the 23 patients included in the study, the majority were diagnosed primarily with squamous cell lung carcinoma. Notably, the analysis revealed similar demographic characteristics and durations of hospitalization across both groups. However, intriguingly, the Rug Weave technique demonstrated a distinct advantage in terms of overall survival compared to traditional mesh closure methods, despite comparable complication rates, including incidences of atrial fibrillation. This finding underscores the potential of the Rug Weave approach as a cost-effective and viable alternative for effectively managing pericardial defects following pneumonectomy, without compromising patient safety or postoperative outcomes.

Source: bmcsurg.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12893-024-02368-5