fluid accumulation behind right ventricle after valve replacement surgery

by sarah
(ajax, canada)

my brother, age 22, just had his valve replacement surgery, and 2 weeks after the surgery, the cardiologist said that there is some fluid like accumulation behind his right ventricle which may or may not be solid..it may have to be surgically drained!
Does it have to be a surgical act or there are other means of treatment also? is it a very risky situation? where are they going to make an incision, in case of a surgery?


Answer:

Fluid accumulation behind the right ventricle would be consistent with a pericardial effusion. This could be blood or fluid from inflammation. This is not an uncommon problem and usually, if only small, wouldn't need drainage. However, as fluid or blood accumulates, it can cause pressure on the heart and result in a condition called tamponade which is a life threatening condition and requires urgent drainage. Echocardiography determines the size of the collection and whether there is any need to drain the fluid.




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